Jets Defenseman Set to Return from injury after long layoff

The Winnipeg Jets have announced that Ville Heinola has been loaned to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. He will undergo a conditioning stint there to give him time to get ready for his NHL return.

Heinola fractured his ankle in the preseason after getting caught up along the boards with Erik Brannstrom of the Ottawa Senators. It was not a pretty scene as Heinola needed help to get off the ice and back to the dressing room. At the time, it was said he'd miss at least eight weeks. It has now been considerably longer than that.

No word on how long Heinola will need before he's ready for NHL action again. The 22-year-old 20th overall pick in the 2019 draft had 1 assist in 10 games for the Jets last season, while also scoring 4 goals and 37 points in 48 games for the Manitoba Moose.

If Heinola can earn himself a spot on Winnipeg's roster, it will give the team more flexibility on the blueline. That said, there are eight other defenceman on the Jets' roster at this time, and heinola will really have to give it his all to get into the lineup. That competition can be a lightning rod for a lot of players, giving them the motivation to give their best performances night in and night out.