Winnipeg Jets Lose Drew Stafford for Critical Part of Schedule

Oct 3, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Drew Stafford (12) is examined after suffering an apparent injury during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Drew Stafford (12) is examined after suffering an apparent injury during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Winnipeg Jets 20 goal scorer Drew Stafford has been ruled out of the next two games for the Winnipeg Jets, with an upper-body injury. The injury was sustained during the first period of the Jets loss to the Stars on Tuesday.

Drew played just two minutes, and thirteen seconds before he left the Winnipeg Jets bench, forcing coach Paul Maurice to juggle the lines throughout the remainder of the contest.

Oct 23, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing Drew Stafford (12) greets Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) after the third period at the 2016 Heritage Classic ice hockey game at Investors Group Field. Edmonton Oilers win 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Jets right wing Drew Stafford (12) greets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) after the third period at the 2016 Heritage Classic ice hockey game at Investors Group Field ( Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports )

Although only having one point through his first six games, Stafford is a veteran who always has a presence, scoring 21 goals with the Jets last season, and back in 2010-11, netting 31 goals, his career high, while skating with the Buffalo Sabres. Luckily for the Jets, Stafford should be returning to the club in game action by early next week, potentially even for their Sunday tilt against the Buffalo Sabres.

Going into the season, the Jets depth up front looked elite compared to other teams around the league, but now with two of their key clogs on the second, and third line, Stafford, and Bryan Little, out with injury, the Jets depth scoring will be questioned.

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Going into Thursday’s game against the Stars once again, Kyle Connor will most likely draw back into the lineup since Stafford is out. Perhaps Connor can finally find a groove in the top six while he gets an opportunity playing there.

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