Pair Of Injured Jets Forwards Participating In Optional Skate

Vladislav Namestnikov and Mason Appleton returned to the Winnipeg Jets' optional practice today since suffering their injuries.

Joining Appleton and Namestnikov at the Jets' optional practice were Colin Miller, Haydn Fleury, Ville Heinola, Dylan DeMelo, Dominic Toninato, and Eric Comrie.

Appleton has been out since Dec. 28 when he suffered a lower-body injury against the Ottawa Senators. Before sustaining the injury, the 29-year-old had scored six goals and 15 points in 37 games. Averaging 14:46 of ice time, Appleton has been a key figure on the Jets third line playing on a shutdown role alongside Adam Lowry.

Namestnikov was announced as a game-time decision before the Jets' matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 11. He missed the following two games against the Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken due to a lower-body injury but has still played in 43 games this year, scoring nine goals and 20 points.

The 32-year-old has done well playing as the Jets' second-line centre but recent reports have stated that the Jets could be looking to find an upgrade. Finding a second-line centre would allow him to reduce his role and find more comfortability.

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