Jets' Wheeler, Schmidt out at least 4 weeks

The Winnipeg Jets will be without forward Blake Wheeler and defenseman Nate Schmidt for an extended period of time.

Wheeler is expected to miss at least one month after undergoing groin surgery Friday, while Schmidt will be sidelined for four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury, head coach Rick Bowness announced Saturday, according to the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre.

Wheeler sustained the injury after teammate Josh Morrissey's shot hit him in the second period of Thursday's victory over the Nashville Predators. Wheeler went down the tunnel but returned to the bench for the final frame.

"He's one tough cookie," Bowness said of his veteran leader.

Schmidt, meanwhile, exited late in the first period of the same contest after taking a heavy hit from Predators forward Tanner Jeannot.

Wheeler, 36, has nine goals and 17 assists in 29 games so far this season.

Schmidt, 31, has six points in 29 games.

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