Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers was absent from practice on Wednesday due to COVID-19 protocol and his status for Thursday's home opener against the Calgary Flames is unclear.
Head coach Paul Maurice made the announcement Wednesday, emphasizing that Ehlers' absence does not mean he has COVID-19. According to NHL protocol, Ehlers could still play for the Jets on Thursday or could go into a longer quarantine depending on his next COVID-19 test result.
"I think him playing tomorrow night is in the range of possibilities," Maurice said. "There's a spectrum of things that causes you to be on the acronym squad and any one of those may have a different outcome."
Andrew Copp replaced Ehlers on the top line alongside Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Kristian Vesalainen was then bumped up to Copp's spot on the third line with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton.
After hosting the Flames, the Jets are off until Monday when they begin a three-game road trip against the Maple Leafs and Senators.
