The Winnipeg Jets organization is tight-lipped regarding exactly what led to the need for a medical evaluation of the St. John’s IceCaps’ Alex Burmistrov, although St. John’s head coach Keith McCambridge says the initial word on the Russian forward is positive.
Nevertheless, Burmistrov will miss the IceCaps’ next two games, against the Springfield Falcons Friday and Saturday at Mile One Centre.
“Everything looks normal with Burmistrov,” McCambridge said in a text message Wednesday night. “He is going to stay in Winnipeg for a week and they will reassess him from there. He will not play this weekend.”
Burmistrov, a locked-out Jet playing in St. John’s during the NHL’s labour dispute, travelled to Winnipeg on Monday to be examined by the National Hockey League team’s doctors after apparently being hurt Saturday in St. John’s 5-3 loss to the Penguins in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa.
However, the 21-year-old Russian, who has two goals and nine assists in 22 AHL games this season, managed to finish Saturday’s contest.
It is believed to be a shoulder injury, but McCambridge would only confirm “upper body injury.”
When asked if the injury is serious, given the fact Burmistrov been summoned to Winnipeg as opposed to being treated by St. John's doctors, McCambridge said, “I wouldn't read anything into it.”
Burmistrov isn’t the only IceCap in Winnipeg. John Albert, who sat out St. John’s last two games, is also being looked at by Jets’ doctors, although McCambridge indicated Albert’s status is day-to-day.
Also on the injury front, Jason King has been participating in full practice this week and should be ready to go against the Falcons. He’s missed the past 11 games. Eric O’Dell, sidelined for the past six games with an ankle injury, has been skating in practice wearing a red non-contact jersey although there is a slim chance he could play this weekend.
rshort@thetelegram.com
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