Just a few days into training camp and the Winnipeg Jets are already dealing with the injury bug. Defenceman Ville Heinola is out indefinitely after an infection showed up in his surgically repaired ankle.
Heinola’s Season Put On Hold
An update on Simon Lundmark and Ville Heinola. pic.twitter.com/Q1ItObUxDC
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 20, 2024
Heinola fractured his ankle in the final preseason game last October. The 2019 first-round pick missed the entire season. However, he was hopeful to be healthy and was in a strong position to earn a spot on the team’s roster. However, an infection showed up in his blood work taken Wednesday. New head coach Scott Arniel described the injury as something that “isn’t day-to-day.”
“He was so excited about coming back. As I said to him, it’s a setback, but these are things that make you stronger,” Arniel said. “It hits you in the gut, especially after what happened last year.”
How This Impacts Winnipeg
There is a lot of praise for the young defenceman with the Jets organization. While it seemed he was in a strong spot to make the roster, it was not a guaranteed thing. The Jets have multiple options at defence, so filling the void is not going to be a tall order.
However, Heinola could have been an answer to the Jets power play, which struggled last season. While strong defensively, Heinola does carry his most upside as an offensive-minded defenceman. He is someone who can lead a power play unit. One would have to assume Heinola was an option for the power play. Someone will need to step up on the power play, which has not ranked any higher than 17th in the league the last few seasons.
How This Impacts Heinola
Heinola has only played in 35 NHL games. He has not had the opportunity to establish himself as a defenceman in the NHL. It is unfortunate that the infection occurred this year, as it did seem he was going to get a chance to make the team.
The timeline on Heinola’s return is unknown. With an infection, the organization will want to take their time to do what is best for Heinola. It is certainly not unrealistic to think Heinola will play this season. However, there is just a lot of unknown information at this time.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports
