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Jets welcome back star defenseman Josh Morrissey. Recalled forwards could bolster lineup ahead of Canucks matchup.

The Winnipeg Jets have activated defenseman Josh Morrissey from injured reserve as the team begins to get healthier heading into an important stretch of the season.

In addition to Morrissey’s activation, Winnipeg has recalled forwards Brad Lambert and Isak Rosen from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. 

Morrissey had been sidelined with a lower-body injury suffered while representing Canada men's national ice hockey team during the opening game of the Olympic tournament against Czechia men's national ice hockey team. The injury forced the Jets’ top defenseman out of the remainder of the event.

Since returning to Winnipeg, Morrissey has missed five consecutive games, but the Jets have managed to stay on track in his absence. During that stretch, the club posted a 3-0-2 record, including a surprising 4-1 victory Thursday over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Josh Morrissey is likely to return to the lineup Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Depth forwards Brad Lambert and Isak Rosen, who was acquired in the trade that sent Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn the other way, could also draw into the lineup. The two may help fill the gaps left after Tanner Pearson was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline and with Nino Niederreiter still on injured reserve.

Rosen, 22, is a former 14th overall pick at the 2021 NHL Draft and has been unable to carve out a roster spot, recording eight points in 31 NHL games. The Swedish winger has spent most of his time playing in the AHL, where this season he has been a standout with 25 goals and 18 assists for 43 points in 37 games.

Lambert, 22, was hoping to be moved at the deadline after feeling stuck within the Jets organization but after being recalled on Friday, he may finally get long runway to earn a main roster spot. So far this season, Lambert has a goal in four NHL games as well as 13 points in 34 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose. 

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