Winnipeg Jets Injury Update: Scheifele Will Not Need Surgery

Winnipeg Jets fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Mark Scheifele’s upper-body injury will not need surgery.

Mark Scheifele’s undisclosed injury suffered from the Winnipeg Jets December 27th win over Edmonton got some good news Saturday:

The fact that Mark will not need surgery on his suspected shoulder means we don’t have to fret over losing him for the rest of the regular season and/or cup run. This means we could possibly see Scheifele back in the line-up as early as February. However, that really depends on how his rehabilitation proceeds. Shoulder related injuries have the nasty habit of sticking around throughout a season and they affect all areas of play on the ice.

Dodging a Bullet

The St. Louis Blue’s Patrik Berglund dislocated his shoulder during offseason training and was out 4 months after his surgery. That is a good turn around time and Patrik already has 6 goals since his Thanksgiving return to the line-up.

On the other hand, Blue’s prospect Petteri Lindbohm was today ruled out for the rest of the season after his recent shoulder surgery. So looking at a 4-6 week turnaround on Scheifele is optimal given the type of injury he is suspected of having.

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Re-Deployment

The Jets are well within the playoff picture already at 8 points ahead of a wildcard spot. Therefore, they can afford to play without Scheifele for a few months. Though his offense will be missed, it will be better to sit Mark and make sure he is 100%. The rigors of the postseason will test how well the injury is healed. There is no benefit to rushing his return and risk it hindering his play down the road. Or worse, a re-injury. The recent success of the team without Scheifele gives management the breathing room to consider this. As long as the Jets keep winning, the better off their star center will be for the playoffs in April.