Jets 2019 first-rounder Ville Heinola out indefinitely due to infection

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Cooper Godin
September 20, 2024 (4:38 PM)

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Winnipeg Jets 2019 first-rounder Ville Heinola is expected to be out indefinitely due to an infection.

The Winnipeg Jets opened up training camp this week and will be doing so without the services of defenceman Ville Heinola, the team's first round pick from 2019.

While meeting with the media on Friday, Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel announced that Ville Heinola is dealing with an infection in the same ankle he fractured during the preseason in 2023.

Arniel went on to add that the infection is stemming from a screw that was placed in Heinola's ankle during surgery last season and that he's going to be out 'a while'.

It's been a tough road for Ville Heinola, who's dealt with injury issues since heading to North America five years ago and has only appeared in 35 games in the NHL with the Jets.

As mentioned, Heinola suffered an ankle fracture during preseason last year which kept him out of the lineup for several months before he was able to return in January, spending the rest of the year in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. In 41 games with the Moose, the Honkajoki, Finland native had 27 points (ten goals, 17 assists), 24 penalty minutes and was a plus-six.

This summer, the Jets re-signed Heinola to a two-year contract worth $800,000, showing that they believe in him despite his injury issues in recent years. The team is hopeful that eventually he'll reach his potential and become a key piece on their blueline.