The return of defenceman Zach Bogosian and a chance for Ondrej Pavelec to make an argument he can still be a No. 1 goalie — those are the two storylines joining the Winnipeg Jets on a plane to Arizona Wednesaday.

Bogosian appears ready to return from a 14-game absence against the Coyotes Thursday, as he’s participated in two full practices and shown no ill effects.

Meanwhile, Pavelec will start for just the second time in the Jets’ last seven games, as rookie Michael Hutchinson has supplanted him as head coach Paul Maurice’s top choice between the pipes.

Pavelec said he’s not sure how busy he’ll be as the Jets begin a stretch of seven games in 11 days.

“I don’t expect anything,” he said. “I’m going to go day-by-day, and we’ll see.”

Used to being a workhorse the last several seasons, the 27-year-old said this last stretch hasn’t affected his confidence.

“I don’t feel any different,” Pavelec said. “There’s nothing you can do about it. Get yourself ready for next game, and that’s all you can control. I’ve been in the league for a while, so I know things go up and down. Things can change right away.

“Usually it’s in your head, how you stay focused and how you stay in shape. It’s never easy. Not just for a goaltender, but for players, too. When you’re not playing a few games, then sometimes you try too much.”

Maurice said Pavelec has handled the down time well.

“He’s practised harder here in this stretch — you know what, that’s maybe not fair, because he pushed himself at camp,” the coach said. “But his practice habits are right on with the hockey team’s, now. You can’t expect that of your No. 1 guy if he’s at a 70-game clip.

“He’s had some really good practice and pushed himself.”

Injured winger Evander Kane returned to practice Wednesday and said he was ready to play Monday against San Jose. But Maurice said Kane needs more time to heal up from a blocked shot that left him on the limp Dec. 27 in Minnesota.

“You’ve really got to admire his pain-level tolerance. But the doctors get final say on this one.”

WAIVER WATCH

To make room for Bogosian’s return, the Jets placed defenceman Julien Brouillette on waivers.

He’ll return to St. John’s if and when he clears, leaving Keaton Ellerby as the Jets’ extra defenceman.

paul.friesen@sunmedia.ca