Another blue-liner down. With Miller injured, the Jets may summon prospect Salomonsson to bolster their depleted defense corps.
The Winnipeg Jets’ depth on defense took another hit Sunday afternoon as defenseman Colin Miller was forced to leave the game against the New Jersey Devils after a hard collision along the boards.
Miller went into the end boards awkwardly during play and appeared severely shaken up on the ice. Trainers were called out to assist the veteran defenseman, helping him to his feet before escorting him down the tunnel. The Jets later ruled Miller out for the remainder of the game, though the team did not immediately disclose the nature or severity of the injury.
The incident comes just days after another frightening moment for Winnipeg’s defense corps. Earlier this week, Haydn Fleury was injured in a separate play along the boards, falling backward and suffering multiple injuries before being stretchered off the ice. Fleury’s status remains uncertain, adding further strain to a Jets blue line already being tested by injuries.
Miller has been used primarily as a depth defenseman this season, rotating in and out of the lineup. Through 14 games, he has averaged 14:26 of ice time and is known for his heavy slap shot from the point. That shot played a role in Winnipeg’s recent success, as Miller picked up an assist Friday against the Los Angeles Kings when his blast helped set up Jonathan Toews’ fourth goal of the season.
The assist marked Miller’s first point of the year. He has posted a minus-eight rating while providing physical play and experience on the Jets’ third pairing.
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