The first-line left wing was injured on a hit by Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby in the first period of
a 4-0 loss
at PPG Paints Arena on Friday. Ehlers left the game and did not return.
Ehlers, sixth on Winnipeg in scoring with 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) in 40 games, will be out until early- to mid-February with the injury, Jets coach Paul Maurice said.
"Everybody is going through it, every team is going to lose key guys," Maurice said. "We may look a little bit different because of it… you'd like to think you're capable of [managing it]."
Winnipeg is also without defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, expected to be out until at least after the all-star break because of a lower-body injury sustained in a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 29.
The Jets (25-13-2) will move forward Kyle Connor to left wing on the top line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler for their game against the Dallas Stars at Bell MTS Place on Sunday (5 p.m. ET; ESPN+, TSN3, FS-SW, NHL.TV).
Forward Jack Roslovic will move up from third-line center to play right wing on the second line with center Bryan Little and Patrik Laine, who will move to left wing.
"It leaves the other two lines … with something that they've had success with as a group," Maurice said.
Roslovic played with Little at times last season, as well as during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"I'm used to those minutes," Roslovic said. "I'm used to those minutes in the American [Hockey] League, too. I'm just excited, I guess."
Little said he feels Roslovic will be able to make the adjustment.
"He's a fast player, he can wheel out there," Little said. "He's got some hands and some skill. Excited."
