Jets’ Byfuglien back from injury, faces Montreal

Dustin-Byfuglien;-Winnipeg-Jets

Dustin Byfuglien's future with the Jets remains unclear.

Big Buff is back.

The Winnipeg Jets’ push to qualify for the post-season will receive a 265-pound boost Thursday night at MTS Centre, where the Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens.

All-star Dustin Byfuglien will draw back into the lineup, Coach Paul Maurice told reporters after the morning skate.

The 29-year-old Byfuglien had been nursing an upper-body injury and hasn’t played since March 4. He was expected to be out two to four weeks.

In 65 games this season, Byfuglien has scored 15 goals, added 27 assists and amassed 118 penalty minutes.

The Jets (88 points) are clinging to final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Los Angeles (86 points) is charging hard and holds a game in hand.

In other Jets injury news, centre Bryan Little remains out of the lineup. He skated with the team Thursday but wore a no-contact sweater. Maurice said he was “hopeful” Little would return April 4.

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