Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers is moving closer to returning to the lineup after missing the last few weeks with a right foot injury.
Ehlers, out on a week-to-week basis since his last game action April 12, didn’t wear his usual non-contact jersey for the Jets’ morning skate Friday at Enterprise Center.
Head coach Scott Arniel said Ehlers would be a game-time decision for Game 6 in the evening against St. Louis. The Blues need a win to force a seventh game on Sunday at Canada Life Center.
For a player who only recently resumed skating with the team, Ehlers has made significant strides over the last few days.
“Didn’t know it was going to be this quick, but again we’ll see,” Arniel said. “You’ve got to get through here, see how he is, but he’s looking good and he’s pretty comfortable. So we’ll see where we go.”
Ehlers, who skated on a line with Adam Lowry and Cole Perfetti, would provide an immediate injection of speed and scoring when he returns to game action. He had 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) over 69 games this season.
“If Nik is ready to go, if we can have him step into the lineup, that’s a big boost for our offensive game and a big boost for our transition game,” Lowry said.
The Jets won’t have top-line centre Mark Scheifele available after he was hurt in a 5-3 home win in Game 5 on Wednesday. He didn’t make the trip to St. Louis and is considered day to day.
The home team has won every game in this first-round showdown. The Blues won Games 3 and 4 and have won 14 straight home contests overall.
Ehlers was not made available to reporters after the morning skate.
“We view him as a huge piece of our team,” Lowry said. “At both ends of the rink, I think he’s had a really good year.”
The Jets haven’t won a playoff series since 2021.
Live coverage of Friday’s Game 6 will be available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.
