The Jets, who lost 5-2 at home to the Dallas Stars on Monday, have maintained their place near the top of the division with a plug-and-play approach on defense.
Nathan Beaulieu, acquired from the Buffalo Sabres for a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft prior to the trade deadline, and rookie Sami Niku, called up from Manitoba of the American Hockey League, have stepped into the Jets' top six on defense with Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers, Dmitry Kulikov and Ben Chiarot.
"It's always tough when you have key guys out with injuries but I think that's the strength of our team," Myers said. "I would say we have the deepest team in the League and when guys go down, we have guys that can step up to a heavier role.
"I thought we showed that last year and we've done it again through the whole year this year. We definitely want those guys back. It just makes our team better but until then we'll try to hold down the fort."
Byfuglien has 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) this season and Morrissey, one of Winnipeg's most intelligent players and best defenders, has 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 59 games.
"They're two phenomenal players," Hellebuyck said. "They'll make a huge difference when they're out there. We have some good guys playing right now but ... their skillsets fit in perfectly with countering teams."
There have been some recent games without Byfuglien and Morrissey when the Jets' puck movement and confidence have not looked their best.
The loss against Dallas was one of those.
"Moving the puck from our end to theirs was a challenge," Maurice said. "Those two guys can do that for you very well, but we've played (quality) teams in the last month and we'll see the best defensive team [the Islanders] here our next game. We've handled that challenge well at times so I'm not saying those two guys in the lineup make our forwards skate better.
"But we miss those two pieces. They're very unique defensemen."