As if things weren't already tough enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who take a five-game losing streak into Thursday night's North Division showdown with the Winnipeg Jets in Manitoba, there's this bit of news to ponder ahead of the start of that two-game series: Winnipeg is about to get stronger.

Jets captain Blake Wheeler, who missed the team's last six games because of a concussion, will return to the lineup. Wheeler will do so in a familiar slot -- on the first line with familiar linemates Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.

"Those two guys are two guys I've played quite a bit with over time and they're having great individual seasons," Wheeler said. "I've just got to try to fit in and get these guys the puck and have a little bit of fun here."