Pair Of Jets Forwards Take Next Step In Their Return To The Lineup

Winnipeg Jets forwards Nikolaj Ehlers and David Gustafsson participated in practice today at different stages in their recoveries.

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Gustafsson skated today in a non-contact jersey for the first time since he suffered a concussion in a fight against Boston Bruins' Trent Frederic. The 24-year-old centre has played in just three games this season due to a lower-body injury he first suffered and now, most recently, a concussion.

Related: Jets Forward In Concussion Protocol After Fighting Bruins Enforcer

Ehlers skated on Friday in a non-contact jersey but was upgraded to a regular jersey today. He skated as an extra, which indicates he'll likely miss another game, but it's a positive sign that he is progressing and nearing a return.

Related: Jets Forward Skating In A Non-Contact Jersey

Jets' head coach Scott Arniel said today's skate was the next step in the process and that they will continue to take things day-to-day. With the emergence of Nikita Chibrikov, the Jets can afford to be patient with Ehlers and allow him as much time as he needs to return to the lineup at 100%.

Chibrikov's emergence and Ehlers' return will put the Jets' coaching staff in a difficult situation. Chibrikov has done everything the Jets could have asked for and more, showing that he is ready to be an everyday NHLer but Ehlers' return would force him to play lower in the lineup and the Jets may feel he isn't best suited to play there.

It's a difficult decision for the Jets but one they should feel lucky to have.

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