Winnipeg Jets

NHL

KARL DEBLAKER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (20) tips the puck past Jets goaltender Stuart Skinner for a goal during the second period in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday. Below, Sean Walker (26) skates back to the bench after celebrating his goal with teammates Sebastian Aho (20), and Seth Jarvis (24) with Winnipeg Jets’ Neal Pionk (4) and Mark Scheifele (55) looking on.

Another embarrassing loss: Arniel

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026

RALEIGH — No sticks were smashed. No walls punched. And nary a naughty word was uttered.

Instead, the Winnipeg Jets filed off the ice here at Lenovo Center on Sunday afternoon much like they’d just played the preceding game against the Carolina Hurricanes — with no emotion, no passion, no urgency.

You’d have thought yet another loss, this one in truly humiliating fashion and a ninth consecutive overall, might have triggered something.

Anything.

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ADAM HUNGER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
All signs point to goaltender Nico Daws making his Winnipeg Jets debut on Friday against the Florida Panthers.

Three’s company for new netminder Daws

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Three’s company for new netminder Daws

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

TAMPA — Nico Daws is still trying to catch his breath.

An unexpected piece of the Connor Hellebuyck blockbuster. A chaotic crash course in his latest hockey home. Joining a fragile club mired in a prolonged losing streak. And now, hitting the road for four tough tests, including one where he will find himself as the last line of defence.

It’s been quite the ride for the newest Winnipeg Jets netminder, who took some time Thursday morning to reflect on the experience.

“A whirlwind of a week. I haven’t even really had time to sit down and digest it,” said Daws.

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Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

Memorable Jets debut for Mercer

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Memorable Jets debut for Mercer

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026

It didn’t take Dawson Mercer long to find out what a friendly Manitoba reception looks — and sounds – like.

The newest member of the Winnipeg Jets was taken aback when the public address announcer singled him out on the walk to the ice at Princess Auto Stadium, prompting the crowd to provide a warm ovation for Mercer prior to the 2026 Heritage Classic game with the Montreal Canadiens.

“It kind of caught me off guard when I got introduced when I was walking out there, so that was pretty good to get that welcome,” said Mercer, who was acquired from the New Jersey Devils in Friday’s blockbuster deal for Connor Hellebuyck. “Having the Jets flyover was pretty sick. That was pretty memorable also.”

Although he was held off the scoresheet in Sunday’s 2-1 loss, Mercer made a favourable first impression, taking 20 shifts for 15:22 of ice time, recording two shots on goal and a blocked shot while skating alongside captain Adam Lowry and Isak Rosen (who scored the lone goal for the Jets).

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Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

(Jeffer Roberson / The Canadian Press files / The Associated Press files)
Byfuglien celebrates after scoring in a Jets playoffs game against the St. Louis Blues, in 2019.

Dustin Byfuglien back in the Jets’ dressing room for alumni game

Ken Wiebe 10 minute read Preview

Dustin Byfuglien back in the Jets’ dressing room for alumni game

Ken Wiebe 10 minute read Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

To say that Dustin Byfuglien wasn’t a fan of the spotlight is an understatement of epic proportions.

The guy with the personality that was larger than life preferred to keep that side of him mostly contained behind the hallowed halls of the Winnipeg Jets locker room.

Since he unexpectedly stepped away from the game in the fall of 2019, Byfuglien has limited his rare interviews to discussions about fishing, happily leaving the NHL game in his rearview mirror.

But on Saturday morning, there was Byfuglien standing in the newly-renovated Jets’ dressing room, holding court with a group of reporters hanging on his every word prior to the alumni game that was part of the 2026 Heritage Classic.

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Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

NHL

(Philip G. Pavely / The Associated Press files)
Hellebuyck takes in the national anthem before the Jets play the Pittsburgh Penguins in March.

Connor Hellebuyck breaks silence after trade from Jets

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Preview

Connor Hellebuyck breaks silence after trade from Jets

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

It took until the very end of his introductory news conference Saturday — right around the 15-minute mark — before Connor Hellebuyck was finally asked the question that hockey fans back in Winnipeg were likely waiting for.

“Is there anything you’d like to say to Jets fans?” a reporter who covers Hellebuyck’s new team, the New Jersey Devils, put to him during the session held inside the Prudential Center in Newark.

A short pause followed.

“I mean, there’s a lot. There’s a lot that I need to say,” Hellebuyck began, no doubt raising plenty of eyebrows around here and the hockey world in general.

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Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

Sun sets on Hellebuyck era

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Sun sets on Hellebuyck era

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

Now that the Connor Hellebuyck era of the Jets has finally concluded, what impact will the departure have on the netminder’s legacy?

Well, it’s a complex answer and one that could change with the benefit of time and a side order of sober second thought.

Given how raw things are right now and how things quickly went sideways — with the franchise goalie essentially forcing his way out of town with his trade request back in April — many members of the Winnipeg Jets fan base quickly found themselves at the “good riddance” stage of the grieving process.

This wasn’t how this story was supposed to end and there’s no doubt some feelings have been hurt along the way.

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

NHL

(David Zalubowski / The Associated Press files)
The Winnipeg Jets traded goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday for forwards Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, prospect centre Alexander Command and two draft picks.

Winnipeg Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey Devils

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey Devils

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

Connor Hellebuyck finally got his wish. Kevin Cheveldayoff finally got an offer he couldn’t refuse. And a long-running sports soap opera has finally ended.

The Winnipeg Jets pulled off a blockbuster deal Friday morning, shipping their disgruntled franchise goaltender to the New Jersey Devils for a package including four players and two draft picks.

Although they liked the return, nobody within the organization was popping champagne. This was, in many ways, a dark but necessary day.

“It certainly hasn’t been fun. There’s no question about it. But at the end of the day, Connor made his choice. And, as an organization, we had to act accordingly and we did,” the general manager said during an afternoon news conference inside Canada Life Centre.

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Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

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Winnipeg Jets

Waters remain murky in unchartered Hellebuyck trade request territory

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Preview

Waters remain murky in unchartered Hellebuyck trade request territory

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

ST. LOUIS — The thing about being in unchartered waters is that the answer to the next question isn’t always readily apparent either above or below the surface.

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel has been doing his best to ensure the upcoming two-game road trip against Central Division opponents doesn’t include a three-ring circus. But with news coming over the weekend that the suspension for goalie Connor Hellebuyck is set to expire on Friday, the club has to prepare for the next step in that process.

The problem, as Arniel conceded during his session on Monday afternoon before the team departed for Missouri, is that some of the hypotheticals need to be eliminated from the equation before the proper response can be determined.

“When it comes to Helly’s scenario, honestly I don’t really have a lot of information,” said Arniel. “I know everybody knows (about) Friday. That’s all we know.”

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Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

Yager ready to fly with the Jets

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Yager ready to fly with the Jets

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Brayden Yager understood the assignment.

By recording five goals and nine points in six American Hockey League games with the Manitoba Moose to open the season, it was clear Yager brushed aside any lingering disappointment of being the last cut by the Winnipeg Jets following a strong training camp.

Yager, who set up the tying goal and scored the game-winner for the Moose on Sunday against the Texas Stars, was officially recalled by the Jets on Monday morning.

The 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft was essentially the extra forward during line rushes, but did see some action with the penalty kill and the second power-play unit with the NHL club on Monday, so it’s still unclear whether or not Yager will be in the lineup against the St. Louis Blues.

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Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

New twist in Hellebuyck saga, suspension ends Friday

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

New twist in Hellebuyck saga, suspension ends Friday

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

Connor Hellebuyck has played the reverse Uno card.

What we don’t know is if he has any intention of coming back to friendly Manitoba or if this is simply the latest attempt to put the Winnipeg Jets feet to the flames in an effort to move him to an American market.

Prior to puck drop on Saturday afternoon, when the Jets were getting set to host the Carolina Hurricanes, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner and one-time Hart Trophy winner informed the organization he wanted to return on Oct. 2 and that his holdout has now shifted to a team-imposed suspension that can officially come to an end Friday.

The Jets were able to extend his suspension (for failing to report to training camp) because of a clause in the collective bargaining agreement, Article 15.13, subsection (c)(v), which reads: “If a player who has not received permission to be absent from training camp returns to the club, he shall be subject to a disciplinary suspension of reasonable length.”

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Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

NHL

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI/ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
Thursday marks Day 29 of Winnipeg Jets franchise goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension this season after not reporting to training camp.

Letting the malcontent masked elephant back in the room

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Letting the malcontent masked elephant back in the room

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

CHICAGO — Buckle up, folks. The next plot twist in the ongoing soap opera between the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck could be a doozy.

Let’s start with a few cold, hard facts. Or, if you prefer: “Previously on As the Hellebuyck Turns…”

The franchise goaltender, with five years remaining on a contract extension he willingly signed with Winnipeg in 2023, refused to report to training camp last month as he awaits word on a trade request made at the end of last season. He’s the first NHL player in more than a quarter century to essentially go on strike.

The Jets are under no obligation to move Hellebuyck, but have indicated they would try to accommodate him if another team meets their needs. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has made it clear he needs to “get this right” and wants a haul for a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and one-time Hart Trophy recipient.

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Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

NHL

MIKE MCINTYRE / FREE PRESS
Preparations have started at Princess Auto Stadium for the NHL Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 25.

‘We know we’re not going to beat Mother Nature’: Ice prep begins at Princess Auto Stadium for Heritage Classic

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

‘We know we’re not going to beat Mother Nature’: Ice prep begins at Princess Auto Stadium for Heritage Classic

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026

Derek King typically has ice in his veins.

But the Manitoban admits there may be a few more butterflies than usual as he prepares for the ultimate home game — the 2026 Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens.

“This is so exciting to be back,” King, the NHL’s vice-president of hockey operations and facilities operations, said Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s definitely going to be a fun event to be part of.”

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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Goalies Stuart Skinner, left, and Calvin Pickard went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, twice, as teammates on the Edmonton Oilers.

Former Oilers teammates square off for first time

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Former Oilers teammates square off for first time

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Monday, Oct. 12, 2026

Calvin Pickard has been many things to Stuart Skinner.

An ally, sounding board, confidante and most importantly, a close friend.

They were a goalie tandem for parts of three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, making two trips to the Stanley Cup final, combining for 29 playoff wins, but falling just short of achieving the ultimate goal on both of those occasions.

They were opponents just once last season when the Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins met for the first time since the trade that shipped Skinner to Pennsylvania, but it was Tristan Jarry – the guy he was traded for – standing at the opposite side of the rink.

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Monday, Oct. 12, 2026

NHL

Duane Burleson / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Winnipeg Jets centre Cole Perfetti (right) and winger Kyle Connor (left) have already combined for five goals and 10 points in three games.

Jets trending in right direction after picking up points in first three games

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Jets trending in right direction after picking up points in first three games

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Welcome to a small sample size season, when sweeping observations and hot takes can quickly become outdated and — occasionally — out of touch.

With that as a cautionary backdrop, the Winnipeg Jets are off to a 2-0-1 start that has them temporarily occupying top spot in the Central Division.

“We were optimistic that we’re a better team than we showed last year,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry. “We want to play fast. We want to compete hard, and we want to give ourselves a chance to win every night, so I think we’ve done that.”

As the Jets welcome the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday to open a three-game homestand, they’ve gotten off to a fast start in a season that required one.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

Jets goaltender quickly taking on folk hero status with hot start

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Jets goaltender quickly taking on folk hero status with hot start

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Stuart Skinner is giving the hometown crowd plenty to cheer about.

The Winnipeg Jets new No. 1 netminder came up with another brilliant performance, making 32 saves — including several of the highlight-reel variety — to propel his team to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night at Canada Life Centre.

With each save he makes and each win he records, Skinner is doing what he can to help turn the page on the Connor Hellebuyck era.

“I would say that they are big shoes to fill 100 per cent, but I’m not looking into the scenario of filling his shoes,” said Skinner, who lowered his goals-against average to 2.62 and raised his save percentage to .920 through three starts. “My job’s the same job as any other goalie in this league. So it’s a little bit of a difficult question for me to truly answer.”

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

NHL

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Jets defenceman Mario Ferraro said his No. 38 jersey happened by chance, but he’s kept it ever since.

Get know your Jet: Mario Ferraro

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Preview

Get know your Jet: Mario Ferraro

Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

“Give it 110 per cent.” “Get pucks in deep.” “One shift at a time.” “Play our game.” “Keep it simple.”

Hockey has a language all its own. Unfortunately, after hearing the same phrases repeated often enough, that language can start to sound a lot like white noise.

So we’re going to try something different.

The Free Press will occasionally sit down with a Winnipeg Jets player at his locker-room stall for a wide-ranging conversation about the stuff you don’t always hear in a media scrum.

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Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

November 4, 2026

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