Pionk, Poganski exit COVID-19 protocol; both will travel on upcoming road trip

Great news, Winnipeg Jets fans! Defenceman Neal Pionk and forward Austin Poganski have both exited the National Hockey League’s COVID-19 protocol, the club announced via social media Thursday. After landing on the league’s COVID list on Monday – along with forward Pierre-Luc Dubois – both Pionk and Poganski returned to practice Thursday, and each will travel with the team during this upcoming two-game road trip. Pionk, 26, has logged 22:35 minutes of ice-time per game, posting two goals and 18 points across 39 contests. Additionally, the right-handed blueliner has also registered 96 hits, 82 shots on goal, 48 blocks and 13 takeaways. As for Poganski, 25, the 6’2″ forward has earned 9:59 minutes of ice-time per night, producing 18 hits, six shots on goal and a pair of blocks. Winnipeg will begin the first half of its back-to-back series Friday in Dallas, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 pm CT. More from Jets Nation: Scheifele’s encouraging night, Near line brawl occurs, Hellebuyck remains productive: Three t