NHL Buzz: Wheeler expected to return for Jets

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2020-21 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

Winnipeg Jets

Blake Wheeler is expected to play for the Jets against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN, NHL.TV).
The forward has missed six games because of a concussion sustained when he was elbowed in the head by Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators on April 5.
"He's back right, and maybe then some, from where he left off," Jets coach Paul Maurice said Wednesday. "He looks good, he looks strong. He's back. A big, strong, powerful forechecker that can make plays. We're more dynamic off the rush a little bit, but we're usually more physically intense in the offensive zone. He's a big, powerful man."
Wheeler has scored 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 39 games this season. He practiced on a line with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"I'm just happy to be feeling good, feeling like myself," Wheeler said. "From a personal standpoint I'm just looking to be firing on all cylinders by the end of the season, playing my hockey, our team playing our best hockey. I'm looking forward to these (final 11) games (of the regular season) being the first time being healthy all year, 100 percent."
The Jets (27-15-3) are second in the seven-team Scotia North Division, four points behind the Maple Leafs. The top four teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. -- Tim Campbell

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New York Rangers

Jacob Trouba will not play against Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+, MSG+, NBCSP, NHL.TV). The defenseman is day to day with an upper-body injury sustained in a 6-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
Zac Jones is a candidate to replace Trouba and make his NHL debut, Rangers coach David Quinn said. The 20-year-old defenseman agreed to an entry-level contract on April 13.
Libor Hajek is also an option. The defenseman has been scratched the past two games after playing in 20 straight from March 11-April 17.
Trouba was injured when he was hit by Islanders forward Matt Martin at 9:09 of the first period Tuesday. He has scored 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 38 games and is second on the Rangers in ice time per game at 21:29, behind defenseman Adam Fox (24:31).
New York (23-17-6) is fifth in the eight-team MassMutual East Division, six points behind the fourth-place Boston Bruins. The top four teams will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. -- Dan Rosen

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Philadelphia Flyers

Carter Hart will be out at least two more games because of a sprained knee.
The goalie has not practiced the past two days and will not travel with the Flyers for games at the New York Rangers on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+, MSG, NBCSP, NHL.TV) and Friday. He last played in a 2-1 shootout win at the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 15, making 31 saves. He was out for games against the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders on Saturday and Sunday.
Coach Alain Vigneault said Hart's injury is serious and hopes Hart can skate Saturday.
"I'm not concerned at all," Vigneault said. "It's a mild sprain to his knee. It's just taken a few more days than we anticipated. He's had the docs look at him, he's had the MRI. Nothing serious, just taking a few more days than we anticipated."
Hart is 9-11-5 with a 3.67 goals-against average and .877 save percentage in 27 games (25 starts).
Goalie Brian Elliott will start Thursday. Vigneault said he was unsure if Elliott or backup Alex Lyon would start Friday.
The Flyers (20-18-7) are sixth in the eight-team MassMutual East Division, 11 points behind the fourth-place Boston Bruins. The top four teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. -- Adam Kimelman