Appleton broke his foot while playing football and is expected to miss at least one month according to head coach Paul Maurice. David Gustafsson will remain on the Jets fourth line while Appleton is out.

Appleton was a sixth-round pick in 2015 and will make his debut after ripping up the AHL for the last two years. The 22-year-old had 66 points (22G / 44A) in 76 games with Manitoba (AHL) last year before adding 18 points (8G / 10A) in 19 games this season.