Winnipeg Jets News

Driedger stopped 28 of 30 shots in the Panthers' win over the Blackhawks on January 17th. With COVID-19 related postponements and Sergei Bobrovsky's return, Driedger has only made one start so far this season. On Thursday he'll take on a Blue Jackets team that is 2-2-3 through seven games while averaging the seventh-fewest goals per game (2.57).

Hellebuyck allowed three goals on 21 shots but it was enough to be the Senators last Saturday. Hellebuyck has picked up where he left off in 2020, opening the season at 3-1-0 with a 2.25 GAA and .920 SV% through four games. On Tuesday he'll face a high-powered Oilers offence, who he was 2-1-0 with a 1.65 GAA, .943 SV% and one shutout against in 2020.

DeMelo has missed the first four games of the season to be with his wife for the birth of their child but is expected to make his season debut when the Jets return home on Saturday.

Hellebuyck stopped 35 of 37 shots in the Jets loss in Toronto on Monday. Hellebuyck stood tall but the offence fell flat, leading to his first loss of the 2021 campaign. Hellebuyck has been strong early on, stopping 58 of the 63 shots (.921 SV%) that he's faced and is a must-start with a great matchup tonight in Ottawa.

Vesalainen sat as a healthy scratch in the first three games of the season but will draw into the lineup on Thursday. Head coach Paul Maurice did not disclose who Vesalainen will replace but he comes in with one assist in five career NHL games.

Heinola is a talented offensive defenseman that will replace Sami Niku and skate on a pair with Josh Morrissey on Thursday. The 19-year-old had four assists in seven games with Finland at the 2021 World Juniors and picked up five points (1G / 4A) in eight NHL games a season ago.

Hellebuyck gave up three goals on 26 shots in the Jets' overtime win over the Flames last Thursday. The Jets had a long break between their first and second game, so Hellebuyck could see three or four starts during the Jets' five-game week. In two starts vs. the Maple Leafs in 2020, Hellebuyck surrendered eight goals on 45 shots (.822 SV%).

DeMelo did not travel to Toronto, so he will miss at least Monday's game and could miss the entire three-game road-trip. DeMelo is staying in Winnipeg to be with his wife for the birth of their child.

Schenn had to sit out the Lightning's season opener due to salary cap reasons but will play Friday vs. the Blackhawks. The Lightning did not announce who he will replace but it will most likely be rookie Cal Foote.