Jets mailbag: The state of the Jets heading into the season

The boys are back in town, and the Winnipeg Jets are set to launch another season — the 15th of the 2.0 era — with training camp opening this week.

Excitement and expectations are running high after last year’s banner run: a division title, a conference crown, and a Presidents’ Trophy, capped by the unforgettable Manitoba Miracle in Round 1 of the playoffs.

So, how do they follow that up? We’re about to find out.

As you’d expect, this month’s mailbag is packed with questions about the road ahead — from key storylines to roster battles that will shape the weeks to come.

Free Press hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe are here with the answers.

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1. For a team intent on contending in their window of the next three years, one could view this offseason as a disappointment and step back roster wise with questions still lingering down centre ice. What do you project the points total for this roster by seasons end? TERRAG

MCINTYRE: While a second-round playoff exit was obviously disappointing, there was no five-alarm fire that needed to be snuffed out this summer. The Jets still have a very solid foundation to build on, so minor tweaking as opposed to a major overhaul was the prudent move.

Plus, the team still has ample cap space to potentially weaponize at or near the trade deadline to fill holes.

I don’t expect a 15-1-0 start to the 2025-26 campaign, nor do I envision a second-straight Presidents’ Trophy. And you know what? That’s just fine. As Florida and Edmonton showed last season — both finished third in their divisions before stepping on the gas in the playoffs — this really is a marathon, not a sprint.

I see the Jets still finishing second in the Central with 101 points, behind only the Dallas Stars and just ahead of the Colorado Avalanche. The ultimate test, of course, will come after that.

WIEBE: The Jets lost some key cogs, there’s no argument here, but this roster still looks like a legitimate contender to me.

The Jets have the reigning Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner in Connor Hellebuyck and having a workhorse goalie is a critical part of being a contender. During the past three seasons, the Jets made big strides when it comes to their commitment to team defence. That’s another essential part of teams that have success, not only in the regular season but during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Kyle Connor is coming off a 97-point season, Mark Scheifele had the highest point total of his career (87) and defenceman Josh Morrissey was fourth in Norris Trophy balloting.

The Jets are a four-line team with ample depth and they had the most efficient power play in the NHL last season. Further improvements are required to the penalty kill and the Jets have got some cap space to augment the roster as well.

Yes, the Jets’ core group has dealt with plenty of playoff disappointments, but they’ve taken important strides, with the biggest ones still to come.

As for questions down the middle, Jonathan Toews figures to be one of the answers and with Lowry progressing nicely after off-season hip surgery, centre could end up being a position of strength for the Jets.

Winnipeg should finish in the top three in the Central Division once again, jockeying for position with both the Stars and Avalanche. Like Mike, I see the Jets finishing with north of 100 points again. Let’s say 106.

2a What percentage do you have KC signing in Winnipeg? NELLY

2b. What is your percentage likelihood that Kyle Connor will re-sign with the Jets and what do you envision the offer will need to be to get his autograph on a contract with the Jets? CRAIG

MCINTYRE: Ahh, the multi-million dollar question(s).

I’m confident Connor re-ups with the team that brought him into the NHL, and I’d be surprised if business doesn’t get completed before the start of the regular-season on Oct. 9. However, should that not occur, then I give everyone permission to start to worry.

Connor got back in town this weekend and I’d think talks should heat up now between his camp and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff over the next few weeks.

As for what kind of number he might be looking for, there’s no doubt it’s going to be in the double-digits. What I wonder is if Connor is looking for something shorter-term — think three or four years — which would allow him to still cash in on another big-money extension down the road, when the salary cap is expected to jump even higher. That kind of deal would also line him up with several of Winnipeg’s other core players. My prediction? 4 years, $10.5 million AAV.

3a. Regarding Captain Serious. For you, what is the minimum he needs to do in order for his return to be considered a success? Play 50 games? Score 20 goals? An intangible? As a partial fan, my fear is it was a mistake to sign him factoring in age and health. I’m happy to be wrong though. STEVE

3b. How many games do Jets give Toews to figure it out? 30-40? MATT

WIEBE: When speaking to reporters on Thursday, Toews conceded there is some rust to shake off after a two-year absence but he’s feeling strong on his feet and his legs are allowing him to get around the ice pretty well, all things considered. He also expects to get better and better as the season moves along.

It won’t take Toews 30 or 40 games to figure it out. He’s put in the work and is determined to make an impact. He’s also clearly enjoying being back in the NHL environment and his smarts and skill set should allow him to be a contributor.

As for what he needs to do to be considered a success? When you consider the health challenges he’s endured, making it back to playing in the NHL is a success in and of itself. But Toews isn’t embarking on this comeback just to be on the ice again, he’s back to try to help the Jets take the next step as an organization. When you look at his will to win and how he’s wired, load management is a foreign concept to Toews. Look for him to play 75-to-80 games, provided his body allows him too.

As for points and projections, Toews often sacrificed personal production for the betterment of his team. Two-way play has always been the priority, but he’s also someone who might score 20 goals and be north of 50 points — which would be steady production for a second-line centre. Toews’ leadership and intangibles have always been an important part of what he brings to the rink. His value will come both on and off the ice. Toews’ signing has generated plenty of buzz around the league and there are a lot of people around the hockey world rooting for him. Jets players are excited to have him in the fold and Toews emphasized he’s here to earn the respect of his new teammates. Signing him was not a mistake. It was a smart move.

4. How do the Jets move forward with an even more successful campaign when one of their leading scorers left while (more importantly) their best goalie appears to not be able to handle the pressure of the playoffs? GUS

MCINTYRE: While it’s true the Jets don’t have a player like Nikolaj Ehlers to step in and immediately replace the guy known as “Fly,” I’m not overly concerned about the state of the offence.

Whether it’s increased production from young players like Gabe Vilardi, Cole Perfetti and Morgan Barron or contributions from veteran free agents additions like Jonathan Toews, Gustav Nyquist and Tanner Pearson, there should be enough of a scoring-by-committee to remain competitive.

 

The power play will obviously require some tweaks without Ehlers, but if they find a way to keep that clicking at a high rate than all should be well.

As for Connor Hellebuyck, he took a big step in the second round against Dallas last spring. He was solid on the road and outstanding at home, with a pair of shutouts, and there’s enough there to build on. Time will ultimately tell, of course.

5. Which Jet/Moose players are in their “must have a breakout season” this year? IMHO, Brad Lambert is tops but I’m curious to know your list. JOE

WIEBE: Must is a relative term and breakout season is often a moving target as well.

Last season, both Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg had what I would call a breakout season. With Perfetti firmly establishing himself as a second-line winger who chipped in both at even-strength and on the power play. Samberg clearly showed he was ready for second-pairing and top penalty-killing minutes and also chipped in more offensively, despite missing considerable time with a fractured foot after blocking a Steven Stamkos one-timer in November.

After the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, another step forward for Perfetti would help alleviate some of the lost offensive production. Nobody is expecting Perfetti to do it on his own, but if he’s promoted to the top power play unit and continues his development, a jump from 50 to 65 or 70 points isn’t out of the question while delivering his first 20-goal campaign.

As for Lambert, it’s a critical year for his development, whether he spends more time with the Jets or Moose. Given how much speed left the Jets this off-season (Ehlers, Mason Appleton, Brandon Tanev, Rasmus Kupari), Lambert is someone with explosiveness. Can he show he’s ready for prime time? If he does, it’s most likely to be on the wing and not at centre.

Not sure it falls into “must have” territory, but Morgan Barron remains someone who could hit 15 goals if he moves from fourth line to third line duty — given the power forward elements he brings to the game.

Nikita Chibrikov is the other forward prospect who appears to be knocking on the door, so taking the next step is important for him. Chibrikov has shown well in his small sample size with the Jets (three goals, four points in five NHL games), but he’s coming off a knee injury that cost him nearly half a season and is facing plenty of competition on the winger depth chart.

6. Assuming full player health from all forwards, who would you project to be on the fourth line? CRAIG

MCINTYRE: There are myriad options, but here’s my best guess once captain Adam Lowry is back and assuming no other injuries: Vlad Namestnikov between Alex Iafallo and one of Cole Koepke or Tanner Pearson. (This would allow for a third line of Lowry, Nino Niederreiter and Morgan Barron, who will likely start the season as the 4C with Namestnikov moving up to 3C).

WIEBE: I see a plethora of permutations and combinations available, some of which will get a test drive during the exhibition season. Given Lowry’s status, there could be some fluidity early in the season. As Mike mentions, Barron is a strong candidate for an enhanced role on the third line when Lowry returns — unless Arniel wants him to play in the middle full-time. Vladislav Namestnikov is about to move into Alex Iafallo territory, as someone who could be on the second line one day and the fourth line on the next and also be an option to be on the checking line. For the season opener, look for Barron at centre between Koepke and Pearson — my sleeper for the fourth line is Samuel Fagemo. Parker Ford could also work himself into the mix here.

7. Kieron Walton seems to be a very pleasant surprise for the Jets. I see he has a twin brother who is undrafted but invited to the rookie showcase. Do you think there is a second big win potentially here? Or is he just filling a spot on the roster. @elcoleito.bsky.social

MCINTYRE: Folks down at the Hockey For All Centre this past week were not seeing double.

There was indeed a grand total of 12 feet, 11 inches of Walton on the ice — 6-6 Kieron, drafted in the sixth round by the Jets in 2024, and undrafted Conor, who stands 6-5 and was a free agent invite to the rookie showcase.

Both players are expected to head back to junior this fall — Kieron, a forward, will play one final year with Sudbury, looking to build off a monster season in which he had 92 points (38G, 54A) in 66 games. Conor, a defenceman, will return to Windsor, where he had 13 points (3G, 10A) in 65 games last year.

For that reason, I wouldn’t expect the Jets (or any other team) to offer him a contract just yet, but something at the end of next year — whether it’s an NHL deal or maybe an AHL contract — wouldn’t be out of the question. At this point, Conor (and a handful of others) are simply getting a look by the organization for some valuable information they might use down the road.

8. Kevin He and Kieron Walton are two Jets prospects that had great seasons in the Canadian Hockey League. What are their NHL player comparables and likely future spots? BUBBA B

WIEBE: He and Walton look like two later-rounders who have quickly worked their way into bright future territory.

He is an explosive skater with finishing ability and turned heads at training camp last fall with his speed and willingness to finish checks. It’s still pretty early in the evaluation process, though He looks like someone who could work his way into a middle-six role in the not-too-distant future. Before we move along, we’re talking about after He gets some professional experience skating with the Moose next season and potentially for part of the one after that. He is expected to go back to junior for another OHL season and could be a candidate to eclipse 40 goals for the first time after producing 21, 31 and 36 goals during his first three seasons with the Niagara Ice Dogs.

The biggest thing that stands out about Walton — aside from his size, as he’s listed at 6-6 and 216 pounds — is that he jumped from 18 goals and 43 points in his draft year to 38 goals and 92 points last season. What kind of jump can he expect in his fourth OHL season? If he threatens 50 goals and/or 100 points, it only adds to the intrigue of Walton as a prospect as he prepares to turn pro next fall. Walton is skilled for a big man and made a four-game cameo with the Moose last spring. He can play centre or wing, so that should enhance his chances of being a full-time NHLer. We’ll need to see how he adapts to the pro game as he continues his development before predicting whether he can be a middle-six or bottom-six player.

As for comparables, it’s too early and I haven’t seen these two guys play enough live yet to provide one that is suitable.

9. Of all the last few year’s picks, who has to go back to junior, who can potentially play on the Moose? @golferwpg.bsky.social

MCINTYRE: There are three young prospects slated to turn pro this fall and join the Jets organization — forwards Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and Jacob Julien. I’d expect the trio to begin the year with the Manitoba Moose, getting their feet wet at that level and, hopefully, work themselves into potential call-up situations as the season progresses.

All other recent picks are in the camp of either needing to crack the NHL roster or have to be sent back to junior — forwards Owen Martin (2025), Jacob Cloutier (2025) and Kevin He (2024) and defenceman Edison Engle (2025).

Other recent picks such as Sascha Boumedienne (2025, college), Viktor Klingsell (2025, Europe), Alfons Freij (2024, Europe) Markus Loponen (2024, unsigned), Zach Nehring (2023, college) and Garrett Brown (2022, college) are in the pipeline but won’t be in camp this year.

10. I sense people are sleeping a bit on the offseason signing of Samuel Fagemo. Is he perhaps going to be ahead of Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov on the call up depth chart? @aavcocup.bsky.social

WIEBE: Some people might be sleeping on the signing of Fagemo, but it was viewed as an important depth signing by both Mike and myself.

Fagemo might only have 21 NHL games (three goals, one assist) on his resume, but there’s certainly potential for this player to be more than just a top-line American Hockey League player. He was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators during the 2023-24 season, so he’s attracted the attention of pro scouts and amateur scouts previously, as someone chosen in the second round (50th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in 2019. He’s been highly productive in the AHL, including a 43-goal, 62-point campaign with the Ontario Reign in 50 games two seasons ago.

Watching him in person last week, Fagemo moves well and can shoot the puck. Coming up in the Kings’ system means he should be a determined, two-way player as well.

As for where he fits on the depth chart, that will depend on what impression he leaves on Jets head coach Scott Arniel and company during the coming weeks. There could certainly be a scenario where he could be called up ahead of Lambert and/or Chibrikov, but it’s important to remember that adding Fagemo was also done with the idea of helping Lambert and Chibrikov get better. They might even be linemates with the Moose, since Fagemo can play both wings. The Jets don’t have a lot of right-handed shots at forward on the organizational depth chart, so Fagemo brings additional value in that regard. I see NHL games with the Jets in Fagemo’s future.

11. The Jets have not inducted anyone in to their Hall of Fame for a couple of seasons now. Do you think they will this season? And if so who would be the logical choices? KELLY

MCINTYRE: As we enter the 15th season of the 2.0 era, I wonder if the time has arrived to start looking in the not-so-distant past.

What about a trifecta celebrating three Atlanta originals — Dustin Byfuglien, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler? All made massive contributions on and off the ice in numerous ways, and honouring them would be a bit of a full-circle moment, don’t you think?

Plus, the roof might come off Canada Life Centre if they can convince “Big Buff” to put down his fishing rod for a few days and come back up to the place where he’s still beloved to get his rightful moment in the spotlight.

12. How important is it for the Manitoba Moose to have a deep Calder Cup run this season? And is Coach Mark Morrisson’s job on the line now with Bob Nardella in the fold? JOE

WIEBE: Thanks to a number of important depth signings and quality prospects entering the pipeline, the Moose are well-positioned to be much improved from the group that missed the playoffs last season and struggled to score goals.

There are a number of factors that go into both having a successful regular season to get into the playoffs and then a lengthy post-season run after that. Waivers will be the first factor to monitor in early October, as the Jets have a couple of blue-liners that could attract interest, depending on injuries. The Jets have improved their depth in the crease with the addition of Winnipegger Isaak Poulter to the pair of Dom DiVincintiis and Thomas Milic and they figure to be much better up front as well, with guys like Fagemo, Phil Di Guseppe, Walker Duehr potentially joining other experienced depth players like Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Mason Shaw in the organization.

The Jets heavily invested in providing some insulation for some of those young players like Elias Salomonsson on defence and the likes of Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and Jacob Julien up front. The fortunes of the Moose could also be impacted by how many NHL games are played by Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov. As for Morrison, I don’t see the seat being remotely warm for him. Nardella brings ample coaching experience and figures to be running the defence. He wasn’t necessarily brought in to be the successor.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld