Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice said defenceman Dustin Byfuglien got through his skate on Thursday and felt good. He says the defenceman is now day-to-day as he works his way back from a lower-body injury.

Byfuglien has not played since Dec. 29 after suffering the injury in a game against the Minnesota Wild. The 33-year-old appeared to hurt his leg when he and Wild forward Luke Kunin collided along the boards.

At the time of the injury, Byfuglien led all Jets blueliners with 29 points, including four goals. 

The Jets (32-16-2) will be back in action Thursday night when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets (28-18-3) at Bell MTS Place. Winnipeg leads the Central Division with 66 points.