Jets’ Logan Stanley to have knee surgery, expected to miss 4 weeks

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel confirmed to the media Friday, defenseman Logan Stanley is set for surgery on his knee to repair a meniscus injury. The towering blueliner is expected to be unavailable for a minimum of four weeks.

Stanley, 26, was a late scratch earlier in the week after he injured himself during a pre-game off-ice workout before the Jets matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. The former 2016 first-round pick signed a two-year contract extension during the offseason and had high hopes for more playing time this season in Winnipeg. Unfortunately, he’ll now miss some time and will have to play catch up once he returns, likely in a month or two.

The 6-foot-7 defenseman appeared in 25 games for the Jets last season, recording one goal and one assist. Stanley also dressed in three Stanley Cup Playoff games, collecting one assist. Known for his defensive prowess, long reach and willingness to stick up for teammates, with Stanley out of the lineup the Jets’ toughness certainly takes a hit.

Stanley, a native of Waterloo, ON, has appeared in 139 career NHL games, scoring four goals and tallying 22 points. One of the league’s more intimidating presences, Stanley has also collected 127 penalty minutes throughout his four-year career, along with landing 269 hits and blocking 191 shots. Jets’ GM Kevin Cheveldayoff mentioned during the offseason that Stanley was a player he was hoping would be ready to take another step forward this season.

This is the second time in a week the Jets have received some tough news regarding defensemen. Ville Heinola is dealing with an ankle infection and is also expected to be out several weeks.

With Stanley and Heinola unavailable to start the season, opportunity knocks for Dylan Samberg and Colin Miller to receive more playing time.

The Jets continue their preseason schedule Friday, heading to Minnesota for a matchup against the Wild.