The Winnipeg Jets will start the second half of the NHL campaign without one of their top defenseman, as Jacob Trouba will be out six-to-eight weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice announced Monday.

Trouba suffered the injury near the end of Winnipeg's most recent contest, a shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.

Through 50 games, Trouba has been an absolute workhorse, racking up three goals and 17 assists in 22:10 of ice time per night while anchoring Maurice's top defensive unit alongside upstart rearguard Josh Morrissey.

Winnipeg sits one point clear of the Nashville Predators for the Central Division lead, but with injuries to key players mounting, the Jets' depth will be put to the test over the next couple of months.

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