Overview

• Lowry told reporters his rehab is progressing well and he is targeting a return in late October or early November.
• The captain has been skating regularly on his own, with team-shared footage showing an informal full-gear skate in late August.
• The surgery carried a five-to-six-month timeline that initially pointed to November, so the update places him on the early end of expectations.
• Lowry is entering the final season of a five-year contract at a $3.25 million AAV and said he has no concerns about extension talks.
• Winnipeg will mix internal options at center to start the year, with Morgan Barron and Vladislav Namestnikov in the frame, Jonathan Toews dependent on his form, and prospects Brayden Yager and Brad Lambert under evaluation, while an early return could limit any LTIR flexibility.