The Winnipeg Jets announced early this morning the emergency call-up of Julian Melchiori. Fans and media alike were forced to wait for practice to start to find out the reason why. Once the Jets took the ice for their morning skate in preparation for tonight’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, it was discovered that Tobias Enstrom was the missing piece on the Jets blue line. Enstrom is added to a long list of Jets that have spent time on the I.R. or are currently there.
"Toby is having surgery on Thursday on his knee." -Maurice. He says Enstrom has been dealing with the injury since November.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 22, 2016
Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice confirmed after practice that the injury bug had bitten the Jets again. This time it was Enstrom and a knee injury that will likely end his year. In further comments by Maurice, it was learned that Enstrom has been dealing with this injury since November, and that recovery has not gone as planned. The Swedish defense man is scheduled to have surgery Thursday, and with only ten games remaining, likely sideline him for the rest of the season.
Enstrom’s Replacement(s)
Melchiori was the emergency call up today. He has already played one game for the Jets this season and has spent a few games in the press box. Josh Morrisey who likely was another call up option has missed games recently with an undisclosed injury. It is unclear if he will make it back before the end of the season, but if he does look for him to possibly get some more time with the Jets as well. Another option that may find some time to play with the big club is Brenden Kichton. Kichton has played 61 games this season scoring 33 points, tying him for the team lead in points. He has probably been the Moose most consistent defense man all year and may have at least earned a look from the big club.
Heading into tonight Enstrom was one of only three to play every game this season. After missing tonight’s game it will be only Tyler Myers and Blake Wheeler who have that distinction for Winnipeg. The Jets roster has a lot of fresh faces taking the ice as Enstrom joins Mark Stuart, Nikolaj Ehlers, J.C. Lipon, Mathieu Perreault, Joel Armia, Anthony Peluso, and Bryan Little who are all missing time with various injuries.
