The Winnipeg Jets announced that Mason Appleton is week-to-week after suffering an injury. The forward reportedly broke his foot during a casual game of football. The damage is expected to keep him out for about a month.
Maurice confirms Mason Appleton broke a bone in his foot playing football on the field at Mosaic Stadium prior to today’s practice.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 26, 2019
Jets Mason Appleton Benched With Broken Foot
The Jets head coach Paul Maurice confirmed many fans suspicions Friday after Appleton was missing from practice. Later, he was spotted on crutches. It was confirmed that the forward broke his foot during a pick-up football game on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ field.
The injury announcement comes just one day ahead of the Jets hosting the Calgary Flames for the Heritage Classic. Appleton will miss roughly a month due to the injury. He has yet to register a point this season. After 45 career games, he’s netted three goals and seven assists for ten total points.
Appleton averages 10:21 of ice time on the Jets fourth line. The twenty-three-year-old made his NHL debut last season after 100 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose organization. He appeared in 36 games with the Jets through the 2018-19 season.
While he only generated seven goals for the team, he did end the season averaging a plus/minus of nine. Winnipeg drafted Appleton in the sixth-round, 168th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
What This Means for the Future
Appleton’s injury is unfortunate. However, his absence can easily be filled internally by the Jets. The 2019-20 season has undoubtedly tested Winnipegs depth.
Since the beginning of October, the Jets have moved four players to the Injured Reserve. The team is already sorely missing Dustin Byfuglien. Winnipeg currently sits at fourth in the Central Divison with a 5-6-0 record.
The two likely candidates to fill his spot on the Jets’ fourth line are Jack Roslovic and Gabriel Bourque. Both players have dressed for 11 games this season. Roslovic owns two goals and two assists while Bourque has yet to find the back of the net.
Regardless of this year’s production, Bourque seems to be the favourite to slot in during Saturday’s contest against the Flames. He is the more experienced of the two, competing in 372 games and gathering 97 points.
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