The Winnipeg Jets just received another blow to their banged-up roster. It is now confirmed that Steve Mason will be out with another concussion.
Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice at the teams Friday practice confirmed that goaltender Steve Mason does have another concussion. Mason has been sidelined since the 14th of January with what was at the time labeled as an illness. Steve returned to Winnipeg for recuperation and observation last week and details of his injured reserve status have been vague at best until today.
No timeline was given by Maurice on how long Steve would be out of action. However, given that this is his second concussion in as many months it would be wise for the team to take his recovery extra slow.
This is the second time this season that Mason has suffered a concussion. Steve was out in late November and early December with post-concussion symptoms and has seen only three starts since. This is not Mason’s first battle with concussions as he is suspected of having one in 2011 and was out of action in 2014 with another.
Michael Hutchinson has been called up from the Manitoba Moose along with Jack Roslovic for Saturday’s matinée against the Calgary Flames. There is no word yet from Maurice on if Hutchinson will see any action relieving Connor Hellebuyck in any games in the next week. Though it is confirmed Hellebuyck will be in net against the Flames tomorrow.
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With Mason’s status indefinite, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will be forced to make a decision on UFA Michael Hutchinson. If they are comfortable with Hutch backing up Hellebuyck then they can simply keep moving forward. However, if management is not willing to rely on Hutchinson there are trade options out there to pursue.