Winnipeg Jets Defenseman Colin Miller Sidelined After Knee Surgery
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Colin Miller has undergone knee surgery and is now listed as week-to-week. Head coach Scott Arniel provided this update, highlighting ongoing challenges for the Jets' defensive lineup.
Injury Details and Surgical Procedure
Miller sustained a knee injury during the game against the New Jersey Devils on January 10. The injury forced him to exit early with a lower-body issue. He has already missed three consecutive games, including the matchup against Toronto on January 17, 2025.
Arniel noted that Miller's procedure was similar to the arthroscopic knee surgery goaltender Connor Hellebuyck underwent earlier this season. Hellebuyck initially received a four-to-six week timeline but returned to game action in just three weeks.
Game Incident and Recovery Attempt
The injury occurred following an awkward collision with Arseny Grisyuk during last Sunday's 4-3 win over the Devils. Miller went hard into the boards in the first period and needed assistance off the ice before heading down the tunnel.
According to The Winnipeg Free Press' Ken Wiebe, Miller attempted to return before the second period but quickly turned around and limped to the locker room. The Jets finished that game with only five defensemen.
Season Performance and Team Impact
The 33-year-old veteran has recorded one assist, 16 shots on goal, 10 blocked shots, and 25 hits in 15 games this season. He averaged 13:45 of ice time with a minus-8 rating.
Miller's absence compounds defensive challenges for Winnipeg. Defensemen Neal Pionk and Haydn Fleury continue recovering from multiple injuries suffered earlier this season. With three regular defensemen sidelined, the Jets must rely on organizational depth.
Return Timeline and Team Adjustments
No definitive return date has been set for Miller. The week-to-week designation suggests his recovery will extend through multiple games. The Jets' coaching staff must adjust strategies and rotations to compensate for his absence.
This situation tests Winnipeg's defensive resilience during a critical part of the season. The team's ability to adapt will significantly impact their performance in upcoming matches.
