They were already in a difficult battle in the NHL's most competitive division, but now the Winnipeg Jets will have to continue fighting for a playoff spot without one of their best young players.
Defenceman Jacob Trouba is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks with an ankle injury suffered in the final minutes of last Thursday's 5-4 shootout loss in Anaheim. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed the bad news Monday as Winnipeg (29-13-8) returned to practice following the All-Star break as they get set to begin a 10-game homestand Tuesday by hosting the NHL's No. 1 team, the Tampa Bay Lightning (34-12-3).