Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones returned to practice after a foot injury sidelined him since mid-November. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson will not play this weekend due to an upper-body injury.

Florida Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist is day-to-day, while Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson and forward Joel Eriksson Ek are also dealing with injuries, with Eriksson Ek being week-to-week.

New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair is showing signs of returning to the lineup, while goaltender Semyon Varlamov has been placed on LTIR. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews is managing an upper-body injury, and Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has been cleared for contact but will not play until after Christmas.

The Winnipeg Jets are currently leading the NHL with a record of 23-10-1, despite a recent stretch of mixed results, going 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. They face the Minnesota Wild, whom they have defeated seven consecutive times.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been a standout, boasting 20 wins and impressive stats this season. Both teams are dealing with injuries, impacting their lineups as they prepare for the matchup at Canada Life Centre.