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ADRIAN KRAUS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Swedish forward Viggo Bjorck — the club’s eighth overall pick in the 2026 draft — on Monday.

Jets mailbag: Breaking down the club’s off-season moves

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 22 minute read Yesterday at 12:00 PM CDT

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One player seemingly can’t wait to get here. The other is looking for an exit route. Not surprisingly, these two Winnipeg Jets were featured prominently this month in our Free Press mailbag.

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CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON FILES “Viggo Björck has chosen to leave Djurgården to continue his career in the Winnipeg Jets organization next season,” a news release stated.

Top prospect Viggo Björck plans future with Jets

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Top prospect Viggo Björck plans future with Jets

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Sunday, Jul. 12, 2026

The stage appears to be set for Viggo Björck to make an immediate impact with the Winnipeg Jets.

A significant development occurred this weekend when Djurgården — the Swedish team Björck was under contract for the coming season — announced the 18-year-old was departing the organization under very positive terms.

“Viggo Björck has chosen to leave Djurgården to continue his career in the Winnipeg Jets organization next season,” the news release stated.

The announcement prompted vastly different reactions depending on your perspective.

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Sunday, Jul. 12, 2026

NHL

CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff took questions Friday at the Hockey For All Centre during Jets development camp.

Jets GM Cheveldayoff happy with off-season additions

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Jets GM Cheveldayoff happy with off-season additions

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

The work is far from over, and the biggest question facing his franchise has yet to be answered.

But Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff believes his hockey club took significant steps in the right direction during a busy week that helped reshape the roster.

It began with the selection of Swedish centre Viggo Bjorck eighth overall in last Friday’s NHL draft, then continued when the Jets landed goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenceman Mario Ferraro as free agency opened on Canada Day.

“We set out to fill a few of the boxes that we needed,” Cheveldayoff said Friday as he spoke with media following the conclusion of Winnipeg’s week-long development camp at Hockey For All Centre.

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

NHL

JEFF CHIU / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES One of the newest Winnipeg Jets, Mario Ferraro, said Thursday he’s “pumped” to play in Winnipeg because “going into that building and feeling the passion that those fans bring to the game is super special.”

‘Wanted to be in a place that I’ve heard treats players well’

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

‘Wanted to be in a place that I’ve heard treats players well’

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

Mario Ferraro had one specific criteria he was looking for when it came to finding a new hockey home. So when the Winnipeg Jets came calling with a Canada Day offer, the veteran defenceman didn’t need much convincing.

“The number one priority is: I want to win,” Ferraro said Thursday on a Zoom call with media, one day after signing a three-year contract that will pay him US$4 million annually.

“I want to be on a team that’s in a position to do so, and I see that here in Winnipeg,”

Is he talking about the same Jets team coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 27th overall in the NHL and failed to make the playoffs?

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Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

NHL

Cassidy Dankochik / THE CARILLON FILES An invitation to the Winnipeg Jets development camp reinforces Adam Vigfusson’s (15) belief that there is more than one path to developing as a player.

Vigfusson vying to impress at Jets development camp

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Vigfusson vying to impress at Jets development camp

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

You’ll forgive Adam Vigfusson for having a bit of a “kid in a candy store” mentality these days.

The 20-year-old Gimli product is truly living his best life, fresh off winning a Manitoba Junior Hockey League title, a Centennial Cup championship, Most Valuable Player honours at the national tournament and earning a scholarship to St. Cloud State University that begins this fall.

This week, you’ll find him at Hockey For All Centre, skating alongside the likes of Viggo Bjorck, Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and the other top prospects in the Winnipeg Jets organization. Vigfusson could hardly believe it when the Jets recently extended an invitation to their annual rookie development camp.

“I got the call asking if I wanted to come and it was like, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s something I never thought would happen.’ Just super excited to be here,” Vigfusson told the Free Press following Tuesday’s skate.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

NHL

Nick Wass / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES It would be something for the Winnipeg Jets to pick up Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine.

Long to-do list for Jets

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Long to-do list for Jets

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Monday, Jun. 29, 2026

They have holes to fill, money to spend and questions to answer.

But the biggest one heading into July 1 hangs over the Winnipeg Jets like the dark clouds that have become a fixture around here lately: Is Connor Hellebuyck staying or going?

Clarity on that potentially stormy situation will shape much of general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s summer to-do list.

Hellebuyck made it clear during his year-end media availability that he needs to see significant roster improvements around him, seemingly putting enormous pressure on Cheveldayoff to begin delivering when free agency opens Wednesday.

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Monday, Jun. 29, 2026

NHL

ADRIAN KRAUS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Viggo Bjorck is congratulated after being drafted eighth overall by the Winnipeg Jets during the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., on Friday night.

Jets draft pick Bjorck touches down in Winnipeg for development camp

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets draft pick Bjorck touches down in Winnipeg for development camp

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Monday, Jun. 29, 2026

A couple of quick conversations with Viggo Bjorck reveal a magnetic personality to go along with an impressive scouting report.

Just a few days after the Winnipeg Jets chose the Swedish centre with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Bjorck arrived on the scene in Manitoba for development camp, ready to embrace the next step in his remarkable journey.

There were new teammates to meet, hands to shake, fitness testing to push through, sticks to tape and promotional videos to shoot.

But the last 12 months were essentially a whirlwind of activity for the guy who immediately becomes the Jets’ top prospect, so to see him handle tasks with aplomb should come as little surprise.

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Monday, Jun. 29, 2026

NHL

DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Everett Silvertips’ Brek Liske (42) and Chicoutimi Sagueneens’ Liam Lefebvre (39) collide during the first period of the Memorial Cup semifinal hockey game, in Kelowna, B.C., on May 29, 2026.

Four Manitobans find NHL homes in latest draft

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Four Manitobans find NHL homes in latest draft

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

Brek Liske figures it was meant to be.

“So my Dad was always a Flyers fan throughout his whole life, and he kind of brainwashed me into it,” the Beausejour product told reporters on Saturday — mere moments after Philadelphia had selected him in the second round, 53rd overall, of the NHL draft.

He learned of his selection while at the family cottage, surrounded by dozens of family members and friends, including many in Flyers jerseys.

Liske was one of four Manitobans to hear their name called over the weekend.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

NHL

ADRIAN KRAUS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Viggo Bjorck (left) stands with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets during the NHL hockey draft Friday in Buffalo, N.Y.

Jets iron out crease depth on day 2 of NHL draft

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Preview

Jets iron out crease depth on day 2 of NHL draft

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

The biggest splash may have happened on Friday night when the Winnipeg Jets landed dynamic Swedish centre Viggo Bjorck with the eighth-overall draft pick.

But the organization took another important step on Saturday when it comes to the prospect pool, filling it with six more players they hope could one day swim with the big kids in the NHL.

Bjorck will grab most of the headlines, and rightfully so.

“I have to be honest. He’s one of the most exciting draft picks I’ve ever had. I’ve been doing this a long time,” said Jets director of scouting Mark Hillier.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2026

NHL

Matthew Merkel / FREE PRESS Nervous moments gave way to joy for Carson Carels, on the family farm near Cypress River, when the Calgary Flames called his name and the champagne started flowing.

Pride of Cypress River drafted sixth overall by Calgary Flames

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Pride of Cypress River drafted sixth overall by Calgary Flames

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

CYPRESS RIVER — It began like any other day for Carson Carels: Up at the crack of dawn, feeding his baby goats, driving a herd of hungry cattle and then heading to the rink for a quick workout.

But by the time Friday was over, it was one he would never forget.

Carels was drafted sixth-overall by the Calgary Flames, sharing the experience with more than 100 family members and close friends in an outdoor viewing party held on the family farm here in southwestern Manitoba.

“Just awesome. I’m still shaking right now,” the 18-year-old defenceman told the Free Press moments after hearing his name announced during the television broadcast by Flames legend Lanny McDonald.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

NHL

Adrian Kraus / The Associated Press Viggo Björck sports a Winnipeg Jets jersey as he stands next to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman after being drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft Friday, in Buffalo, N.Y.

Jets take Viggo Björck eighth overall

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Jets take Viggo Björck eighth overall

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

The Winnipeg Jets believe they’ve finally found the solution for their second-line centre dilemma in Viggo Björck.

The versatile and explosive Swedish forward was chosen eighth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Jets and brings a combination of blazing speed and tenacity. He also has the versatility to play down the middle or on the wing and brings a defensive responsibility to go along with his offensive instincts.

Björck helped Sweden capture a gold medal at the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship with fellow Jets prospects Alfons Freij and Sascha Boumedienne, who was the Jets’ first-round selection in 2025.

The right-handed shooter also suited up for his country at the IIHF men’s world championship last month, chipping in one goal and six points in eight games.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

NHL

Matt Krohn / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes are all teams thought to be interested in trading for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

NHL draft swap watch continues

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

NHL draft swap watch continues

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

Go ahead and call it the calm before the storm.

As the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is set to arrive on Friday night, the Winnipeg Jets have the potential to be the talk of the town, given the trade rumours surrounding goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

But keep in mind, this is the time of year when misdirection is commonplace.

Hellebuyck may or may not be on the move this weekend, and it’s important to remember that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner is under contact for the next five seasons at a reasonable average annual value of US$8.5 million.

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Thursday, Jun. 25, 2026

NHL

Trevor Hagan / The Canadian Press files Former Winnipeg Jets forward Tobias Enstrom (centre) has joined the roster with former captain Blake Wheeler (left) and defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (right) for the NHL Alumni Game in October at Canada Life Centre.

Jets rounding out alumni game roster

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Jets rounding out alumni game roster

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The band is getting back together. And judging by the latest additions to the Winnipeg Jets Alumni Game roster, it’s shaping up to be a greatest-hits reunion.

Former 2.0 stars including Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little, Mathieu Perreault, Paul Stastny and Chris Thorburn were previously announced in January.

Wednesday brought another blast from the past with 15 new (old) recruits: forwards Nik Antropov, Eric Fehr, Jim Slater, Cody Eakin, Sam Gagner, Tanner Glass, Tim Stapleton, Drew Stafford and Anthony Peluso; defencemen Toby Enstrom, Mark Stuart, Ron Hainsey, Derek Meech and Grant Clitsome; and goaltender Michael Hutchinson.

Back behind the bench will be original head coach Claude Noel — and fingers crossed he brings one of his famous sweater vests along with him.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

NHL

Matt Krohn / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Sweden’s Viggo Bjorck would be a perfect fit for the Winnipeg Jets second-centre position.

A six-pack of possible Winnipeg Jets draft picks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

A six-pack of possible Winnipeg Jets draft picks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

There is no doubt Kevin Cheveldayoff will be fielding a lot of calls during the coming days — and not all of them will be related to Connor Hellebuyck.

With the 2026 NHL Draft just a few days away, the Jets currently hold the eighth overall pick, which represents the highest choice they’ve had since Cole Perfetti went 10th overall in 2020.

It’s actually just the sixth time in 15 seasons since the franchise relocated in 2011 that the Jets have chosen in the Top-10, with Patrik Laine being the highest pick, at second overall, in 2016.

Provided they keep and ultimately make this pick, the Jets should add an impact player that could grow into a core piece.

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Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

NHL

NHL / INSTAGRAM Winnipegger Seth Jarvis and his famous buddies celebrate the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup win.

Carolina Hurricanes Seth Jarvis’s buddies part of Stanley Cup celebrations

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Carolina Hurricanes Seth Jarvis’s buddies part of Stanley Cup celebrations

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

They might just be the world’s most famous friend group at this point.

And the good times just keep rolling for Winnipeggers Sloan Tremblay, Lucas Fry, Lucas Humble, Bryan Hanna, Matt McLeod and Noah Wagner.

From lying in confetti on the ice at T-Mobile Arena celebrating a Stanley Cup championship won by childhood buddy Seth Jarvis and his Carolina Hurricanes teammates, to riding their own float through the streets of Raleigh during the team’s championship parade, the self-described “Good Ol’ Canadian Boys” are in no hurry to wake up from what feels like a dream.

Not that they’ve had much time to sleep lately.

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Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

NHL

Matt Krohn / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck still holds a great deal of control in the negotiating process and has a full no-movement clause, but if there’s an appetite to move on to another market, it makes sense that the three-time Vezina and 2025 Hart Trophy winner might be a bit more open minded to a move.

The who’s who of Hellebuyck’s potential suitors

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

The who’s who of Hellebuyck’s potential suitors

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

It looks like the Winnipeg Jets are approaching a significant fork in the road.

While Sunday’s blockbuster deal involving Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk ending up with the Florida Panthers caught the attention of the hockey world, the Jets’ fan base immediately wondered if there might be any implications to the trade rumours involving franchise’s netminder Connor Hellebuyck.

It’s important to remember that the Panthers deal for Tkachuk was futures-based, so it doesn’t completely rule the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup champions out of the mix when it comes to any possible deal for Hellebuyck.

Again, it’s important to remember that Hellebuyck still holds a great deal of control in the negotiating process, as he has a full no-movement clause, but if there’s an appetite to move on to another market, it makes sense that the three-time Vezina and 2025 Hart Trophy winner might be a bit more open minded when it comes to his next hockey address if/when it comes to that.

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Monday, Jun. 22, 2026

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