Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little is out of action indefinitely, according to head coach Paul Maurice.

Little collided with Carolina Hurrcianes forward Bryan Bickell midway through the first period of Thursday's season-opener. He hobbled off the ice favouring a leg and didn't return to the game.

Little managed an assist on a first-period goal by Shawn Matthias and had a shot on goal before he left.

The 10-year NHL veteran missed the last 25 games of last season with a neck injury and hadn’t played a regular season game in more than seven months.