Jets vs Sharks: Duehr Makes Debut in Crucial Wild Card Clash

SAN JOSE – The Winnipeg Jets (23-26-9) head into a pivotal matchup against the San Jose Sharks (28-25-4) as they continue their three-game road trip. Today’s game features the highly anticipated debut of forward Walker Duehr, ironically against the team he finished last season with. The puck drops at 3:00 pm CT, with coverage on TSN and 680 CJOB/Power 97.

Duehr Ready to Make an Impact

“It’ll be good to play against them,” Duehr shared after Saturday’s practice in Anaheim. “I just want to play my game, play a simple game, fast, hard, and be disruptive out there. Be physical, be good in my own end. Just be a simple and fast game.”

The 28-year-old previously played eight games for the Sharks, registering two goals, and added nine points in 16 AHL appearances with the San Jose Barracuda. A strong off-season led to a one-year contract with the Jets, and Duehr has been a standout performer for the Manitoba Moose, boasting 12 goals and 26 points in 39 games.

“It’s been a pretty seamless transition. The organization has been great to me,” Duehr added. “My time with the Moose has been amazing. The coaching staff and the guys are a close group, and we’ve been playing well as a team. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Namestnikov Injury Opens Door for Duehr

Unfortunately, Duehr’s opportunity comes as a result of an injury to Vladislav Namestnikov, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained during Friday night’s game following a collision with Jets captain Adam Lowry. Duehr will slot into Namestnikov’s spot on the right wing alongside Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel praised Duehr’s readiness: “I saw him in training camp and I’ve watched him with the Moose. He’s a big guy, heavy, and can really skate. He’s earned this opportunity.”

Injury Updates & Lineup Adjustments

Good news for the Jets, Mark Scheifele is expected to play despite struggling to reach the bench late in Friday’s overtime loss to the Ducks. However, defenceman Haydn Fleury will make his return to the lineup for the first time since January 6th, following a scary injury against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fleury’s skating ability and NHL experience (324 games) will be a welcome addition to a blue line already missing key players like Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, and Colin Miller.

“Not having those four d-men, our depth has been hard,” Arniel admitted. “Happy to see Haydn back and getting a chance to play. His feet and skating will be effective.”

Forward Nino Niederreiter remains week-to-week after undergoing surgery for a lower-body injury. Josh Morrissey is skating in Winnipeg, with his return to team practices still uncertain.

Sharks Pose Wild Card Threat

The Sharks currently hold a five-point lead over the Jets in the Western Conference wildcard race. They’re coming off a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, with Macklin Celebrini – a standout performer at the Olympics – playing a key role. Duehr, who played with Celebrini last season, spoke highly of the young forward: “He’s a super special kid. The whole world saw it at the Olympics. He’s special on and off the ice.”

Arniel emphasized the need for a smart approach against the Sharks: “They’re a team that plays quick. It’s a young team that’s going to try and push the pace. We have to be smart in how we approach them.”

Projected Lineup

Here’s a look at the projected Jets lineup:

• Connor-Miller-Vilardi
• Perfetti-Lowry-Iafallo
• Nyquist-Toews-Duehr
• Koepke-Barron-Pearson
• Stanley-DeMelo
• Samberg-Salomonsson
• Fleury-Schenn
• Heinola-Clague
• Hellebuyck/Comrie (Goalies)

NHL Official Website provides further coverage of the league and team updates.