The Carolina Hurricanes face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night at Canada Life Centre, marking Nikolaj Ehlers' return to Winnipeg after signing with Carolina in July. The Jets will be without starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who is sidelined 4-6 weeks following knee surgery. Eric Comrie is set to start in net for the 7:00 p.m. CT matchup.
The Winnipeg Jets host the Carolina Hurricanes in a Central Division clash at Canada Life Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT. Broadcast options include TSN3 and 680 CJOB/Power 97. This game highlights several key storylines, including the return of former Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed a six-year, $51 million contract with Carolina in July after 10 seasons in Winnipeg.
"It will be weird seeing him on the other side. Nikky was a fan favourite in the dressing room and good friend, but once the puck drops it will be business," said Jets defenseman Logan Stanley. Ehlers expressed mixed emotions: "All I can say is, I spent ten years here and I loved it here. So obviously I'm hoping for something."
The Jets enter with a 12-7-0 record and are regaining health, fresh off a win Tuesday that kicked off a three-game homestand. However, they suffer a blow with Connor Hellebuyck undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery; he is expected out 4-6 weeks. Thomas Milic was recalled from the Manitoba Moose to back up Comrie. "Obviously we’ve been really fortunate to have Helly be healthy and available. ... But we’re super confident in Coms and Milly and our defensive game," said Josh Morrissey.
Carolina holds a strong 13-5-2 mark. Defenseman Jalen Chatfield could return after missing seven games with an upper-body injury, potentially displacing Joel Nystrom. Brandon Bussi is slated for his first start since Nov. 9.
Projected Jets lines include Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi on the top unit, with Cole Koepke entering the lineup. Hurricanes projections feature Andrei Svechnikov — Sebastian Aho — Seth Jarvis up front. Off the ice, Jets captain Adam Lowry signed a five-year, $25 million extension, announced Wednesday. "I’m thrilled to be staying. ... I want to finish my whole career here," Lowry said.
The Jets' power play has improved since a California road trip, per assistant coach Davis Payne.