Anderson-Dolan Returns as Jets Face Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS – Jaret Anderson-Dolan returns to the ice tonight with the Winnipeg Jets for their matchup against the Golden Knights, marking his first NHL game since April 13, 2024, with the Nashville Predators. The Jets are looking to bounce back from a recent loss while the Golden Knights seek to get back in the win column after their own defeat.

“I found out this morning when I came to the rink, and obviously I’m very excited,” said Anderson-Dolan. “I just want to be simple early, be physical, get the feet moving and try not to be too tense.”

The 25-year-old Calgary native’s NHL experience includes 127 games, primarily with the Los Angeles Kings and the Predators, plus 166 games in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose, 51 of those games this season. After a broken foot in the preseason sidelined him for earlier games, Jets head coach Scott Arniel is eager to see how Anderson-Dolan can contribute.

“He’s had a good year there and he’s another depth guy I want to see play some games here,” Arniel said about Anderson-Dolan. “Talking to Moose head coach Mark Morrison, he’s been one of their best forwards, especially for the second half of the year.”

With the Jets leading the Central Division at 51-20-4, they are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Kings and will aim for a strong performance against the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights, who hold a record of 45-21-8. Winnipeg aims to improve on their previous matchups this season, which saw the Knights come out on top in both encounters.

The teams previously met twice this season, with Vegas winning 4-3 in November and then in overtime 5-4 in December. In fact, three out of the last eight victories for the Golden Knights over the Jets were by just one goal.

<p“They’re a team that throughout their lineup has a lot of depth, they’re fast and physical, and they play their structure,” said Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey. “You see where they’re at in the standings; you want to bring your best game against the top teams in the league.”

As for the lineup, Luke Schenn may miss another game due to an injury. The expected forward line for the Jets includes Connor–Scheifele–Iafallo, Ehlers–Namestnikov–Perfetti, and Anderson-Dolan with Barron and Tanev.

The Jets hold a slim four-point lead over the Dallas Stars and recognize the importance of each upcoming game as they navigate the season’s conclusion. Veteran Vladislav Namestnikov highlighted the urgency while maintaining focus on their approach to the game.

“Everyone is aware of the situation. That shouldn’t change much in our mentality,” Namestnikov said. “We just have to be ready to play a full 60 minutes.”

The Jets intend to control their performance against a strong Golden Knights team, especially with their home record of 28-6-4. They must put their past losses behind them and play with confidence as Anderson-Dolan gets his chance to shine on such a significant stage.

“That’s what has made this team so good all year,” Anderson-Dolan remarked about the Jets’ mentality. “The leadership group is great; it seems like a very poised group.”

The game is set for a puck drop at 9:00 p.m. CT, and both teams are ready to compete for crucial points as the playoffs approach.