Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness told reporters that newly acquired centre Sean Monahan is fine and will play his first game with the team Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Although Monahan was not on the ice for morning practice, Bowness told reporters they're optional.
The Jets traded a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 third-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Monahan this past Friday during the All-Star break.
Monahan has recorded 35 points (13 goals and 22 assists) in 49 games this season. The 29-year-old from Brampton, Ont., signed a one-year deal with the Canadiens last summer.
Meanwhile, centre Mark Scheifele will be back in the lineup after missing six games due to a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., leads the Jets with 41 points (14 goals and 27 assists) in 41 games.
Winnipeg placed forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby on waivers to make room for Scheifele, who was activated from the injured reserve.
Jonsson-Fjallby has two goals and three assists in 26 games with the Jets this season. The 25-year-old from Stockholm, Sweden, also has three goals and two assists in 10 games with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.
The Jets (30-12-5) are third in the Central Division and return from the All-Star break looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they take on the Penguins.
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