Jets place defenseman Nate Schmidt on IR

Schmidt left Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators following a big hit from Preds’ forward Tanner Jeannot behind his own net. Schmidt exited the game on his own, immediately heading down the tunnel to the medical room. No call was handed on the play, and Jeannot would drop the gloves with Jets forward Adam Lowry on the ensuing face-off. The Jets won the game 2-1 in overtime. Head coach Rick Bowness stated after the game that Schmidt had been placed in concussion protocol, and neither he nor Lowry made any remarks about the hit. 

Schmidt has six points (3G, 3A) in 28 games with the Jets this season. He joined the Jets in July of 2021 after a failed campaign with the Vancouver Canucks. He was dealt to the Jets in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick. Last season, Schmidt registered 32 points (4G, 28A) in 77 games and was just four points away from tying his career high. 

The Jets have recalled Finnish defender Ville Heinola from their AHL affiliate, Manitoba Moose. Heinola, a 2019 first-round 20th overall pick, has played 27 games at the NHL level which includes two games this season, he has recorded 10 points over the course of his career. Through 13 games so far with the Moose, he has 10 assists. Heinola has missed the last four games with an illness but should be ready to go this weekend. The Jets head out on a pacific road trip playing the Vancouver Canucks Saturday and the Seattle Kraken Sunday.