It looks like the Winnipeg Jets will have to make do without forward Brandon Tanev for at least the next month. The team announced on Tuesday that Tanev has suffered a lower-body injury and is expected to miss at least one month of action.
Tanev, who is in his third season with the Jets, has been a key contributor to the team’s success this season. He has scored four goals and added six assists in 32 games so far this season. He is also a strong two-way player, often being used in penalty killing and defensive situations.
The injury is a big blow for the Jets, who are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. They are currently tied with the Minnesota Wild for the second wild card spot, but have played one more game than the Wild.
The Jets will now have to find a way to replace Tanev’s production while he is out. The team recalled forward Marko Dano from the AHL to take Tanev’s spot on the roster. Dano has played in just one NHL game this season, but has scored 11 goals and added 10 assists in 33 AHL games.
It remains to be seen how long Tanev will be out, but it looks like the Jets will have to make do without him for at least the next month. It will be interesting to see how they adjust without him and if they can stay in the playoff hunt without him in the lineup.