Jets' Morrissey will play Tuesday vs. Penguins

The Winnipeg Jets will have their top defenseman back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Although Josh Morrissey missed Sunday's game against the New York Islanders after suffering a lower-body injury in warmup, he's now good to go, according to The Athletic's Ken Wiebe.

The Jets' depleted defense will yet again have a different look on Tuesday, though. Veteran Dmitry Kulikov is away for a personal matter and former AHL defenseman of the year Sami Niku has been recalled from the minors, Wiebe added.

Winnipeg's blue line underwent major reconstruction this summer. Jacob Trouba was traded to the New York Rangers, Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot departed in free agency, and Dustin Byfuglien is contemplating retirement.

Morrissey has been thrust into No. 1 duties, while Neal Pionk and 2019 first-rounder Ville Heinola - both of whom were acquired in the Trouba trade - have logged big minutes. Journeymen Anthony Bitetto, Tucker Poolman, and Carl Dahlstrom round out the defense corps.

The Jets have allowed 14 goals in three contests, though poor goaltending has also played a part.

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