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Carson Carels says his hockey work ethic that has NHL general managers taking notice is owed to working on his family’s farm. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

Working the family farm set up top NHL draft prospect Carels for hockey success

Mike McIntyre 11 minute read Friday, May. 1, 2026

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It takes a village to raise a hockey player.

Carson Carels would be the first to tell you his just happens to include hundreds of cows, goats, peacocks, chickens and whatever else might be wandering the 2,000 acres of rolling hills in south-central Manitoba that he and his family call home.

The farm isn’t just where the 17-year-old lives. It’s where he was built.

“It has shaped who I am,” said Carson.

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Viral Senators fan still optimistic about playoff chances despite being ‘banished’

David Baxter, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Viral Senators fan still optimistic about playoff chances despite being ‘banished’

David Baxter, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

OTTAWA - An Ottawa Senators fan who went viral for a video hyping the team's playoff run has joked that he got "banished" to Taiwan for cursing the team with his Sens-themed playoff songs.

The team posted a video of Kyle Ivan Thursday in Taipei saying the team wanted him as far away as possible from the Canadian Tire Centre for game three against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ahead of the playoffs, Ivan posted a video on multiple social media platforms parodying Eminem's Without Me. Between Ivan's own channels and others who shared it, it generated millions of views, and a lot of online hate.

Then the Sens lost the first two games and many fans decided Ivan's song was a jinx.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026
Ottawa Senators' Tim Stutzle (18) hits Carolina Hurricanes' Sebastian Aho (20) during third period NHL playoff hockey action in Ottawa, on Thursday, April 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Lane Hutson and Habs take over ‘next station’ announcements in Montreal metro

Charlotte Glorieux, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Lane Hutson and Habs take over ‘next station’ announcements in Montreal metro

Charlotte Glorieux, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

MONTREAL - About a year after coming under fire for removing the words "Go! Canadiens Go!" from the electronic signs on city buses over concerns about Quebec's language legislation, the Montreal transit agency is trying something new to show its love for the Habs.

The agency has recruited four members of the NHL team to announce the names of underground metro stations in French during trips as the cars pass through the stops next to the team's home at the Bell Centre.

It means commuters can now hear the voices of Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes and Alexandre Texier as they approach the Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier metro stations in downtown Montreal.

''This is Lane Hutson, next station Lucien-L'Allier,'" says the voice of the Canadiens star defenceman, in one of the recordings now being played on the metro.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026
A 'Go Habs Go' slogan is shown on a Montreal city bus in Montreal on Thursday, April 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

No shortage of storylines as NHL playoffs kick off

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

No shortage of storylines as NHL playoffs kick off

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Friday, Apr. 17, 2026

A weekly lap around the NHL by Free Press hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe

Sing it with us: It’s the mooooooost wonderful time of the yearrrrrrrrrr.

The hockey year, anyway. Buckle up, folks, as the Stanley Cup playoffs get underway on Saturday for what is sure to be another two-month joyride.

The first round is typically the best, with multiple games every night and plenty of energy, excitement and chaos.

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Friday, Apr. 17, 2026
Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press files Will this be the year the Edmonton Oilers go one step further and bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993? Spoiler alert: Our puck prognosticators say no.

Seattle Kraken forward McMann looks to have no shortage of suitors for next season

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Preview

Seattle Kraken forward McMann looks to have no shortage of suitors for next season

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

Bobby McMann is in prime position to cash in as an unrestricted free agent, even though he’s not ready to truly focus on who his next employer might actually be.

As the Seattle Kraken rolled through Winnipeg earlier this week to take on the Jets, McMann conceded that it’s impossible not to have part of his mind wandering after being on the move for the first time in his career.

But with the Kraken clinging to hope in the Western Conference wild card chase, his eye is on that potential prize and his future will take care of itself.

“I mean, it’s hard not to think about it. It creeps in,” said McMann. “I’m trying to focus all of my energy right now on playing and trying to get on a roll here because that’s all we’ve got to do to get in (to the playoffs).”

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Friday, Apr. 10, 2026
Adrian Kraus / The Associated Press Files Seattle Kraken centre Bobby McMann is having a breakout season, with 28 goals and 45 points in 74 games.

Accolades pour in for Scott Oake ahead of impending sendoff

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Preview

Accolades pour in for Scott Oake ahead of impending sendoff

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026

Truth be told, Scott Oake wanted what is commonly known as an Irish goodbye.

The veteran Winnipeg broadcaster had hoped to keep his retirement to himself until sometime this summer, then casually let it slip he wouldn’t be returning in the fall for another season on Hockey Night in Canada.

No fuss. No muss. A quick fade to black.

“I had hoped to go out quietly, but I’m to blame for what’s going on,” Oake told the Free Press with a laugh. “You know, I told a few people, word got around and here we are.”

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Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026
Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Scott Oake will welcome Winnipeg’s Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks in his final After Hours segment on Saturday. JEFF MCINTOSH / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Jets look forward to playing old head coach as club lands in Columbus

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Preview

Jets look forward to playing old head coach as club lands in Columbus

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Friday, Apr. 3, 2026

There will be a steady stream of smiles, hugs and handshakes when the Winnipeg Jets walk into Nationwide Arena on Saturday.

That’s standard operating procedure when Rick Bowness is in the building, thanks to the bond so many members of the Jets formed with him during his two seasons behind the bench in Winnipeg before he stepped away from coaching to focus on his health and the health of his wife Judy.

“He is an incredible human being. It’s great to see him back behind the bench doing what he loves and excelling,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry.

“You just see the motivation, and you see how hard the guys play for him. He is a great coach and demands a lot but it comes from respect. He loves you as a player and a person and those are the coaches you love to play for.”

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Friday, Apr. 3, 2026
Jay LaPrete / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets are looking forward to facing off against the club’s former bench boss Rick Bowness (back right) on Saturday as the team wraps up a four-game road trip in Columbus.

Avalanche Cup favourites going into regular-season homestretch

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Avalanche Cup favourites going into regular-season homestretch

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

Motivation comes in many forms when you’re trying to go wire to wire for the Presidents’ Trophy.

The Winnipeg Jets found this out last season and the Colorado Avalanche are going through a similar process in the current one.

Although the Avalanche (48-13-10) have built their lead over the Dallas Stars to nine points, they’re not about to let their foot off the gas during the final 11 games of the regular season — which includes a rematch with the Jets on Saturday night in Denver.

“Like almost everybody else in the league right now, we’re playing important games,” said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. “We have our goal set on first place — it’s been set there all year — and we’re still fighting and trying to accomplish that goal. We feel like home ice is a big thing. You can avoid a couple of really strong opponents.

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Friday, Mar. 27, 2026
Gene J. Puskar / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is the bedrock of the club, with his presence consistently contributing to better overall season records.

Step aside Oscars, hockey awards season is just heating up

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Step aside Oscars, hockey awards season is just heating up

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 20, 2026

PITTSBURGH — Rick Bowness has never won the Jack Adams Trophy during his decorated coaching career. He was named a finalist for the first — and only — time while guiding the Winnipeg Jets during the 2023-24 season.

That campaign ended with a disappointing first-round playoff exit and a retirement announcement from Bowness, who along with his wife, Judy, had battled health issues that year.

Life has a funny way of circling back sometimes, and Bowness is not only back behind a big-league bench, but making a compelling case that he might just be the best in the business.

The fact that Bowness was still soaking up his post-hockey life at the start of 2026, spending time with family in Florida, makes this story even more incredible.

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Friday, Mar. 20, 2026
Jay LaPrete / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness has completely turned the club’s season around since he became bench boss in January.

Hofer ready for more with Blues

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Hofer ready for more with Blues

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026

There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the best Canadian goaltender on the St. Louis Blues is not the one who was standing in net during the gold medal game last month in Milan.

No disrespect to Olympic silver medallist Jordan Binnington, but Joel Hofer has seized control of his team’s crease this season. The 25-year-old Winnipegger has already set career highs in games played, wins and shutouts, showing he has the makeup to take on a bigger role with the club.

He’ll likely get his chance, too, with the 32-year-old Binnington — who was in net on Sunday afternoon as the Blues fell 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre — under contract for just one more year and the subject of plenty of trade rumours.

“I’m a competitor. I always want to play. I obviously can’t control who starts or what not,” Hofer told the Free Press following the game.

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Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026
JOE PUETZ / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer blocks a shot from the Winnipeg Jets during the first period of a game on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in St. Louis.

Jets’ draft and development model should get a much-needed infusion of talent

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Jets’ draft and development model should get a much-needed infusion of talent

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 13, 2026

A weekly lap around the NHL by Free Press hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe

With the Winnipeg Jets ushering in a bit of a youth movement down the stretch, there’s bound to be a renewed focus on the “draft and development” model that is supposed to be their bread-and-butter.

No question it has paid dividends, particularly from the earlier stages of the 2.0 era. The first two picks way back in 2011 — Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry — were home runs who have become foundational pieces for the franchise.

The likes of Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor soon followed and remain to this day, while Jacob Trouba, Andrew Copp, Nikolaj Ehlers, Patrik Laine and Mason Appleton all became key contributors before moving on.

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Friday, Mar. 13, 2026
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley (64) is pressured by Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Jets’ slim playoff hopes may have left town with loss to Rangers

Ken Wiebe 10 minute read Preview

Jets’ slim playoff hopes may have left town with loss to Rangers

Ken Wiebe 10 minute read Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026

That glimmer of hope hasn’t been fully snuffed out yet, but the Winnipeg Jets slim playoff hopes have taken another significant hit.

Fresh off a lacklustre effort against the Anaheim Ducks, the Jets fell 6-3 to the New York Rangers on Thursday at Canada Life Centre, slipping to 26-28-10 overall. The Jets are 3-2 on this season-long eight-game homestand.

“This team’s not going to just fold,” said Jets left-winger Kyle Connor. “There’s a lot of compete and a lot of will in this room, a lot of belief, too.

“Yeah, we need to respond.”

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Thursday, Mar. 12, 2026
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS New York Rangers’ Gabe Perreault watches as teammate Adam Fox’s shot gets past Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck in the first period of the Rangers’ 6-3 win, Thursday.

Jets pull within five points of final Western Conference playoff spot

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Jets pull within five points of final Western Conference playoff spot

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Monday, Mar. 9, 2026

Don’t look now, but that double-digit deficit has been cut by more than half.

By rattling off at least a point in each of the six games coming out of the Olympic break — and by going 11-4-5 during the past 20 games — the Winnipeg Jets have pulled within five points of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

It’s still a tall task, but it looks a whole lot more manageable with 20 games left in the regular season, including Tuesday’s tilt with the Anaheim Ducks.

“You’ve got to keep winning games,” said Jets centre Jonathan Toews. “It just goes to show that anything can happen. It’s a horse race. You never know who is going to come from the back and put on a real charge in the last stretch here.

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Monday, Mar. 9, 2026
FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets 4-0-2 streak since the Olympic break has pulled the club within five points of the final wild-card berth. Defenceman Dylan DeMelo (right) says the break helped the group recharge.

Stanley hoping to make a difference in Buffalo

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Stanley hoping to make a difference in Buffalo

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 6, 2026

A weekly lap around the NHL by Free Press hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe

The calls and text messages were coming in fast and furious for Logan Stanley.

As he sat in the press box on Thursday night watching the Winnipeg Jets take on and eventually defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1, the towering defenceman was dealing with the rumour mill in real time and had a feeling his life was about to change — even if reality hadn’t quite kicked in yet.

Once a pending unrestricted free agent is held out for roster related reasons, as Stanley was at the last minute on Thursday, a trade is often just a formality.

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Friday, Mar. 6, 2026
Fred Greenslade / THE CANADIAN PRESS Logan Stanley (right) played his last game with the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. The defenceman was traded to the Buffalo Sabres Thursday along with fellow defenceman Luke Schenn.

NHL commissioner Bettman says criticism of U.S. men’s team at Olympics ‘unfortunate’

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

NHL commissioner Bettman says criticism of U.S. men’s team at Olympics ‘unfortunate’

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026

CALGARY - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman declined an opportunity Tuesday to weigh in on the political aspect of the U.S. hockey celebration at the Milan Cortina Olympics, but did say he thought what was portrayed "was unfortunate and not accurate."

"I know for a fact that the men's team had no intention of doing anything to slight the women's team," Bettman said at a media availability at the Scotiabank Saddledome. "If anything, both teams were chanting, 'Two for two.'"

The Americans won Olympic gold in the men's and women's tournaments. Both finals were 2-1 overtime wins over Canada.

Following the men's victory on Feb. 22, the Americans were joined in the locker room by FBI director Kash Patel. The players also got a speakerphone call from President Donald Trump.

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Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference in Calgary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dayne Patterson

Jets fans not the only ones wondering what’s next

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 12 minute read Preview

Jets fans not the only ones wondering what’s next

Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe 12 minute read Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

ANAHEIM – Dylan DeMelo knows exactly what limbo looks like.

DeMelo was in his final days as a member of the Ottawa Senators in February 2020.

Although he was playing well and interested in signing a contract extension, he was on an expiring contract and negotiations never fully materialized.

So in the week before the NHL trade deadline, it was basically a matter of when and where that was left to be sorted out.

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Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
JESSIE ALCHEH / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dylan Demelo says the March 6 NHL trade deadline can leave many players with an uneasy feeling.

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