Red Wings’ J.T. Compher expected to return on Saturday against Lightning
When speaking to the media on Friday, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan said he expects forward J.T. Compher to be back in the lineup on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
McLellan also said JT Compher looks and feels good. Expects him to play tomorrow. #LGRW
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) February 7, 2025Compher had missed the last four games due to an upper-body injury he coincidentally suffered against the Lightning. In the Red Wings’ 2-0 win over Tampa on Jan. 25, he was knocked out of the game after taking a high hit from defenseman Emil Lilleberg, who ended up being suspended two games for the incident.
Compher was placed on injured reserve earlier this week to make room for Patrick Kane to get back into the lineup.
The 29-year-old was seen at practice on Thursday skating on the fourth line, centering Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren, while also taking reps on the second power-play unit.
The Red Wings certainly haven’t been hindered in Compher’s absence. The team won all four games that the Northbrook, Illinois native has missed, having won seven straight games for the second time this season.
Individually, Compher has been okay this season. He hasn’t had the same offensive touch he’s had in recent years, scoring just six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 48 games. It’s unlikely the former Michigan Wolverine will match his production from his first season in Detroit, which saw him post 48 points in 77 contests, or his season-high 52 points that he notched in his final season with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2022-23 campaign.
In 548 career NHL appearances, Compher has registered 113 goals and 150 assists for 263 points, including 29 points in 70 playoff games, winning a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.
The Red Wings (28-21-5) are fifth in the Atlantic Division, holding onto the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.