Ville Heinola Injury Update…

“It really hits hard, especially after what happened last year.”

Ville Heinola might be questioning his luck.

Almost exactly a year after fracturing his ankle during a preseason game on October 5, 2023, the same surgically repaired ankle is causing more issues and sidelining him once again.

Recent blood tests revealed an infection in the 23-year-old defenceman’s system. Despite some swelling, Heinola still skated on Thursday, but he will now miss more time, with Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel confirming the injury is not a “day-to-day” situation.

Arniel, who had several conversations with the Finnish player over the summer, expressed Heinola’s eagerness to return.

“He was so excited to be back. As I told him, it’s a setback, but challenges like these only make you stronger,” Arniel said. “It really hits hard, especially given last year’s ordeal.”

Both Arniel and former head coach Rick Bowness publicly acknowledged that Heinola had secured a spot on the opening night roster following his impressive performance in five preseason games last fall. However, the ankle injury sidelined him for 12 weeks, and he ended up playing 41 games for the Manitoba Moose, tallying 10 goals and 27 points.

Arniel indicated that Heinola’s recovery timeline is uncertain.

“We’ll reevaluate in about a week and see where he’s at,” he said. “Hopefully, we can fully resolve it and move forward.”

ICE CHIPS

Defenceman Simon Lundmark also missed Thursday’s practice after blocking a shot but might return as early as Saturday, depending on how he feels at the rink.

Additionally, Henri Nikkanen missed his second consecutive day of on-ice training due to illness.