As the Winnipeg Jets stepped out onto the ice for warmups ahead of Game 4, they were accompanied by both Dylan DeMelo and Gabriel Vilardi, per Murat Ates. While DeMelo is healthy after dealing with an illness, Vilardi isn't quite ready to return.

DeMelo's absence was felt in more ways than the Jets would have thought during Game 3. Both at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill, the Jets suffered. They were giving up chances far too frequently, unable to kill transition attempts at their blue line and when the St. Louis Blues were cycling the puck in their zone. 

His return will be a major boost for Josh Morrissey and the rest of the Jets blue line.

Vilardi has seen multiple positive signs in his return. He practiced with contact yesterday for the first time and stepped out onto the ice for warmups to see how his body was feeling. Unfortunately for him and the Jets, he isn't quite ready to play, but could be available for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Vilardi wasn't the only Jets player surprisingly not participating in line rushes. Logan Stanley will be a healthy scratch in place of Haydn Fleury, making his debut in the opening round. 

He played in 39 regular-season games this season, recording seven assists. Fleury is a better skater and more capable puck mover, which should help the Jets deal with the Blues' forecheck better than it was with Stanley in the lineup.

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