Mathieu Perreault (lower body) is hoping to return to the Jets' lineup Sunday against the Blackhawks, Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

Perreault (lower body) is hoping to return to the Jets' lineup Sunday against the Blackhawks, Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

Analysis:

It appeared the Jets might have lost Perreault for the season after he suffered the lower-body injury Feb. 16, but he was able to resume skating Thursday morning, signaling that he's closing in on a return. Coach Paul Maurice was less optimistic that Perreault would be back by Sunday, instead targeting the April 4 game versus the Canucks as a more realistic date for the forward's reentry into the lineup. No matter when Perreault draws back in, his arrival will be a welcome development for the Jets as they jockey for playoff positioning down the stretch.