Stafford expected to be back in lineup tonight

By: Mike Sawatzky Posted: 3:00 AM CST Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 Last Modified: 7:21 AM CST Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 | Updates

Advertise with us

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Drew Stafford’s long road back to active duty is about to end.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Drew Stafford’s long road back to active duty is about to end.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/11/2016 (3271 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Drew Stafford’s long road back to active duty is about to end.

The Winnipeg Jets expect to have the veteran right-winger in the lineup tonight against the Minnesota Wild when they hope to snap a three-game losing streak on their current road trip.

Stafford worked on a line with rookie winger Brandon Tanev and centre Nic Petan during Tuesday’s practice.

Stafford suffered an upper-body injury on Oct. 25, but in keeping with club policy, declined to be more specific about the problem.

“Not much (to say), sorry,” Stafford said. “It started in the pre-season and there were a couple of instances (that) kinda accumulated a little bit. It’s been a while. Pretty tough.”

STAAL DOES HIS PART

Former Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal has been a huge bonus for the Wild, who signed the unrestricted free agent centre to a three-year, US$10.5-million deal in the off-season.

Although some believed his career was on a downward trajectory, Staal has turned back the clock.

He has five goals and 13 points in 18 games thus far after scoring 13 goals and 39 points in a season split between Carolina and the New York Rangers in 2015-16.

“I feel pretty good,” Staal said. “You never know when you come to a new team, new organization on how you’re going to fit and how you’re going to be used. It’s been a good transition. It’s a good group and a good (coaching) staff. I’m hoping to continue to build on the personal start that I’ve had. I think I’ve got more… on the offensive side.”

SCANDELLA RETURNING

Minnesota is expected to have towering blue-liner Marco Scandella, who has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain since Oct. 28, back tonight. And it won’t come a moment too soon for No. 1 goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

“It’s huge for all of us,” Dubnyk said. “He’s such an all-round player. He’s a big part of our penalty kill. He’s mean, he’s a big, strong guy. His shot brings a lot at the other end.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14