Jets' Kyle Connor, Nate Schmidt expected to return from COVID-19 absences Wednesday vs. Red Wings

The Winnipeg Jets were hit with a harsh blow last Wednesday when forward Kyle Connor and defenseman Nate Schmidt were put out of action for a total of three games due to the league's COVID-19 protocol. 

According to the official NHL website, both men returned to practice Monday and are on track to be in the lineup for Wednesday's home contest versus the Detroit Red Wings. 

"It was tough having to sit out those couple of games, but it's good to be back," Connor explained when speaking with reporters Monday. "I probably never would've never found out if we didn't have to test. I probably would've still played the game. I was pretty fortunate. I never had any symptoms and I felt great the whole time."

Winnipeg defeated the Buffalo Sabres via a shootout without Connor and Schmidt last Wednesday but then fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings. Heading into Monday's league action, the Jets are six points back of the Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators in the race for a wild-card playoff berth. 

"It gets our group excited. They came out and put some life and energy in the group," Jets interim head coach Dave Lowry added about Connor and Schmidt practicing, per Kelly Moore of Global News. "You bring your most dynamic, prolific goal scorer back into your lineup, it’s going to give you a boost when you’re playing tight games, one-goal games."

As noted by ESPN stats, Connor leads the club with 41 goals and 82 points recorded across 67 games this season. Schmidt has four goals and 27 assists in 66 contests. 

Following Wednesday's encounter, Winnipeg will host the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night.