Advertisement

Defenceman Ben Chiarot out of Winnipeg Jets lineup with hand injury

Daniel Winnik (26) of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ben Chiarot (63) of the Winnipeg Jets scrap Saturday. Chiarot is out until early April with a left hand injury. Richard Lautens / Toronto Star via Getty Images

WINNIPEG – Another member of the Winnipeg Jets will be sidelined long term.

Defenceman Ben Chiarot will be out until early April after he suffered a left hand injury in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs (24-31-5). Chiarot had surgery Sunday and has been placed on the team’s injured reserve. He was seen watching Monday’s practice with a cast and sling.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

To make matters worse, forward Blake Wheeler also missed Monday’s skate. His status for Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars (27-24-9) is still up in the air, head coach Paul Maurice said. It’s not known what Wheeler hurt nor how badly injured he is.

Despite Chiarot’s injury, Dustin Byfuglien will remain a forward for now. He could move back to defence if Wheeler is able to play Tuesday night.

The Jets (30-20-11) continue to hold onto the top wildcard spot in the Western Conference even though they’ve lost two straight games.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices