Winnipeg Jets’ Vladislav Namestnikov missed Saturday’s contest against the Colorado Avalanche with an undisclosed injury, was absent from practice today and Haydn Fleury returned wearing a full-contact jersey for the first time since his injury.
No Vlad Namestnikov at #NHLJets practice. Haydn Fleury is in a regular jersey.
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Fleury-Coghlan— Mitchell Clinton (@MitchellClinton) January 13, 2025
The matchup between the Jets and the Avalanche was the first game Namestnikov missed all season. In the 43 games he’s played in, he’s scored nine goals and 20 points. Playing as the second-line centre, the 32-year-old is averaging 14:38 of ice time playing most of the season alongside Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers.
With Namestnikov out, Ehlers has moved to Adam Lowry and Alex Iafallo’s wing, where he is attempting to adapt to a more defensive role on a shut-down line. Playing with Lowry and Iafallo will help him have more time and space due to their abilities to win the puck back and gain body position in front of the opponent’s goal.
Related: Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers Continues To Grow His Game And Add New Elements
Losing Namestnikov is a major loss and the Jets are hoping it is nothing long-term. With saying that, Fleury returning to full contact is a positive sign that he is nearing a return. When Fleury is able to return, the Jets will have eight NHL-calibre defensemen on their roster with Colin Miller remaining on the IR.
The blue line is nearing maximum capacity and a decision may need to be made soon.
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Related: Hellebuyck, Jets Earn Impressive 3-0 Shutout Over Avalanche
