Appleton was moved to IR on Saturday and head coach Dave Hakstol said he is out indefinitely on Sunday. Appleton suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Canadiens last Tuesday and his injury opens up a roster spot for Nathan Bastian to play full-time moving forward.
Appleton produced high-end numbers at Michigan State and in the AHL but has just 18 points (8G / 10A) in 82 career NHL games. Given the Jets' solid depth on the wing, Appleton will likely be a fourth liner for the duration of 2021, making it unlikely for his numbers to improve.
Appleton was recently assigned to Manitoba after returning to full health but was called up on Wednesday with Andrew Copp going on IR. Appleton has one assist in four AHL games and no points in nine NHL games this season. He is expected to skate on the third line with Adam Lowry and Gabriel Bourque on Thursday.
Appleton has been on IR since mind-October but has been cleared to play, so he goes to the AHL to get some games in. Since he was last in the lineup, the Jets have added Nick Shore via waivers, bulking up their bottom-6 depth and allowing them to send Appleton to the AHL.
Appleton will miss at least one month with a broken foot that he suffered while playing football during the Heritage Classic. His move to IR opened up a roster spot for the Jets to recall Logan Shaw from Manitoba (AHL).
Appleton broke his foot while playing football and is expected to miss at least one month according to head coach Paul Maurice. David Gustafsson will remain on the Jets fourth line while Appleton is out.
Appleton was a sixth-round pick in 2015 and will make his debut after ripping up the AHL for the last two years. The 22-year-old had 66 points (22G / 44A) in 76 games with Manitoba (AHL) last year before adding 18 points (8G / 10A) in 19 games this season.
