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Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg Jets centre Gabriel Vilardi (13) battles for the puck against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke (92), left wing Jeff Malott, second from left, and defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Jessie Alcheh / The Associated Press)

Kings snap Jets’ winning streak

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

Scott Arniel thought the Winnipeg Jets did enough defensively to earn a different result.

But when it comes to the quality and quantity of the looks generated, that’s where the Jets fell short in the eyes of the head coach during what became a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday after two insurance markers were allowed in the final five minutes of regulation time.

“I don’t think we created enough offence,” Arniel told reporters in California. “We didn’t give up much. We gave up one in the first, obviously a big one. But I didn’t think we got to second opportunities or continuous attacks.

“When we’re on, it’s a shot, it’s a rebound and then, all of a sudden, it’s another play. Today, we were kind of one and done. We only had 10 five-on-five scoring chances. Our power play, we were one play away from maybe making it happen. The execution just wasn’t as sharp as it usually is. They did a pretty good job of keeping us on our heels.”

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Jets look to capitalize on six-game road trip

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Jets look to capitalize on six-game road trip

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

Scott Arniel hasn’t spent a lot of time wondering when the Winnipeg Jets might actually get to dress a full lineup.

Sure, the head coach of the Jets has drawn up a number of permutations and combinations, whether that’s on a napkin on the plane or the dry erase board in his coach’s office.

But Arniel also knows that the only way he’ll be able to determine what that optimal lineup might look like is to get the puzzle pieces together if and when this group gets back to full health.

As the Jets opened a season-long six-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, they welcomed back Adam Lowry to the lineup, a move that certainly moves the needle — given the importance of both the role he plays and the voice he carries as an emotional leader.

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Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Winnipeg Jets top trio are off to a hot start this season. From left: Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor celebrate Vilardi’s goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Winnipeg Jets top trio are off to a hot start this season. From left: Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor celebrate Vilardi’s goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Jets looking for a November to remember

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Jets looking for a November to remember

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

The Winnipeg Jets finished October on a high. Now they open a challenging new month by hosting hockey’s hottest team.

Few, if any, puck pundits had the Pittsburgh Penguins pegged to sit atop the NHL standings at any point this season. Yet that’s exactly where they are, rolling into town with an 8-2-2 record.

That sets up a marquee matchup Saturday afternoon at Canada Life Centre, with the 8-3-0 Jets also feeling good about their game after back-to-back victories.

“Pittsburgh has been playing great lately. We have to be ready for a tough test,” Jets centre Mark Scheifele said following Friday’s practice at the downtown rink. “Playing against Sidney Crosby, there’s always a lot of motivation.”

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Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Gene J. Puskar / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg Jets will start November at home with a matinee game against the NHL’s hottest team, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday at Canada Life Centre.

Gene J. Puskar / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets will start November at home with a matinee game against the NHL’s hottest team, hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday at Canada Life Centre.

‘We still haven’t come close to playing our complete game yet’: Arniel

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

‘We still haven’t come close to playing our complete game yet’: Arniel

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Scott Arniel chose his words carefully.

Asked for a bigger-picture assessment of the 10-game block to open the season, the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets made it clear that as happy as he is about the 14 points that have been put in the bank, but further improvements will be required to sustain a pace that includes a .700 winning percentage.

“I’m happy with 7-3. I don’t ever want to talk down on being 7-3, but we still haven’t come close to playing our complete game yet,” Arniel said after the Jets defeated the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime and before using Wednesday to recharge the batteries. “There’s signs of things that we’re doing better, but sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back.

“But it’s early in the year and if we’re going to do it, do it now. Get it out of the way. But I like the fact that, even though we haven’t played our best hockey, we’re still sitting at 7-3.”

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Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

ANGELINA KATSANIS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg Jets have opened the season with a flattering 7-3 record. Forward Nino Niederreiter (right) said the club is still looking to improve, and thinks the team will feel better when they “find a way to pull a full 60 minutes together.”
ANGELINA KATSANIS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Jets have opened the season with a flattering 7-3 record. Forward Nino Niederreiter (right) said the club is still looking to improve, and thinks the team will feel better when they “find a way to pull a full 60 minutes together.”

Toews looking forward to early-season matchup against former club

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Toews looking forward to early-season matchup against former club

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Jonathan Toews knows this won’t just be another game.

Given all that has transpired over the course of nearly two decades with the Chicago Blackhawks, there’s no chance the first meeting against the team that chose him third overall in the 2006 NHL draft could just be one of 82 on the schedule.

The four-second pregnant pause Toews took before answering a question about the significance of the meeting early this week told a story in itself.

“I don’t know. It is what it is. I’m so past that point now,” Toews told the Free Press in a one-on-one interview this week. “It’s been a couple of years. I’ve kind of wrapped my head around (the fact) things are over in Chicago. But yeah, the first time, it will be interesting.”

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Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets’ Jonathan Toews has nothing but gratitude for the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. The forward will be facing his former club for the first time Thursday at Canada Life Centre.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets’ Jonathan Toews has nothing but gratitude for the Chicago Blackhawks franchise. The forward will be facing his former club for the first time Thursday at Canada Life Centre.

Winnipeg Jets’ penalty kill one step ahead

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Jets’ penalty kill one step ahead

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

It’s the type of conversation that makes NHL coaches uncomfortable, out of fear that discussing it will cause it to unravel.

So it’s understandable when Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel brings humour into the equation when his sizzling-hot penalty kill is raised.

Arniel wants to keep most of the finer details to himself, out of fear of providing a subtle clue or two about what has made the unit so successful to a future opponent.

The other part of him has no interest in tempting fate, which makes sense when you consider the Jets have managed to kill off 23 consecutive minors and are 26-for-27 for the season while playing shorthanded.

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Morgan Barron scored a shorthanded goal against the Dallas Stars in the Jets season-opener.
JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Morgan Barron scored a shorthanded goal against the Dallas Stars in the Jets season-opener.

Morrissey latest Jet to reach franchise milestone

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Preview

Morrissey latest Jet to reach franchise milestone

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Milestone magic has been prominent for the Winnipeg Jets in the early part of this season.

By assisting on Mark Scheifele’s game-winning goal on Monday against the Calgary Flames, Josh Morrissey moved past Dustin Byfuglien for the most assists by a defenceman in Jets franchise history.

When asked about the significance of hitting 295 assists, Morrissey was quick to shout out Byfuglien for the impact he’s had on his NHL career.

“My first D partner in the NHL. We played the first 40 or 50 games together as a pairing in my rookie year,” said Morrissey. “I have so much respect for him and I’m very thankful for his mentorship early on and how many things I learned from him. I’m not sure I ever thought I’d pass him in something, but it’s pretty cool. It’s a testament to playing with a lot of great players and a lot of guys that can put the puck in the back of the net.”

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Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

Matt Slocum / The Associated Press

On Monday against Calgary, Josh Morrissey surpassed Dustin Byfuglien’s mark for most assists by a Jets defenceman.
Matt Slocum / The Associated Press On Monday against Calgary, Josh Morrissey surpassed Dustin Byfuglien’s mark for most assists by a Jets defenceman.

Morrissey leads the Jets to 5-3 win over Canucks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Morrissey leads the Jets to 5-3 win over Canucks

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

VANCOUVER – Josh Morrissey took matters in his own hands.

With the Winnipeg Jets in the midst of a three-game losing streak, the top-pairing defenceman and alternate captain was the picture of calm after the morning skate.

While acknowledging that the Jets were working through some issues, Morrissey exuded a quiet confidence when laying out some thoughts on what needed to change for his team to get back on track.

“For us, we feel that there is another level — or multiple levels — to our game,” said Morrissey. “Obviously, we’ve got some new faces but we’re 15 games in now. Everyone should know the system and structure and be comfortable in it. So now, it’s about let’s get on the gas and let’s get playing here.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry, front left to right, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo celebrate Niederreiter’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, on Tuesday. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)
Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry, front left to right, Nino Niederreiter and Alex Iafallo celebrate Niederreiter’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, on Tuesday. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

Morrissey eager to make Olympic history of his own

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Morrissey eager to make Olympic history of his own

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Yesterday at 6:02 PM CST

It didn’t take long for Josh Morrissey to remember where he was when Sidney Crosby scored the goal that won Olympic gold for Team Canada 2010.

This time around, Morrissey might be on the ice when another magical moment occurs for his country.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman was among the 25 players chosen to the men’s Olympic hockey team that will chase a gold medal in Milan next month.

“In 2010, I was pretty early in high school when Sid scored the golden goal. So, that one would rank pretty high,” Morrissey said Thursday when asked about his fondest Olympic memories before to facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I think I know exactly where I was when he scored that goal. So yeah, just kind of remember almost watching that game and then going out on the outdoor rink and dreaming of having that chance to be on Team Canada go for a gold medal. So, it’s pretty, pretty surreal.”

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Yesterday at 6:02 PM CST

Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS files

Jets blue-liner Josh Morrissey was named to Canada’s Olympic team on Wednesday.
Graham Hughes / THE CANADIAN PRESS files Jets blue-liner Josh Morrissey was named to Canada’s Olympic team on Wednesday.

‘Maybe in 2026, we can start scoring some goals’: Jets’ losing streak continues

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

‘Maybe in 2026, we can start scoring some goals’: Jets’ losing streak continues

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Another day, another one-goal loss for the Winnipeg Jets.

Despite a late push, the Jets were unable to overcome a sluggish first period and fell 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, closing out 2025 on a seven-game losing skid (0-4-3).

Six of those seven defeats were one-goal losses, the lone exception coming on Monday when the Jets lost 3-1 to the Edmonton Oilers after a late empty-net goal from Zach Hyman.

The Jets drop to 15-19-4 for the season and they’ll continue a three-game road trip on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Detroit Red Wings centre Andrew Copp (18) is pursued up the ice by Winnipeg Jets centre Cole Perfetti (91) during the third period of Wednesday’s game in Detroit. (Duane Burleson / The Associated Press)
Detroit Red Wings centre Andrew Copp (18) is pursued up the ice by Winnipeg Jets centre Cole Perfetti (91) during the third period of Wednesday’s game in Detroit. (Duane Burleson / The Associated Press)

Jets’ Morrissey among Manitobans joining Team Canada

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Preview

Jets’ Morrissey among Manitobans joining Team Canada

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Josh Morrissey is getting another opportunity to represent his country.

Only this time, it will be on the grandest stage.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman was among the 25 players unveiled by Hockey Canada on Wednesday morning at a press conference in Minnesota held to officially name the men’s Olympic team that will compete in Italy in February.

Morrissey was a stalwart blue-liner for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, though he was unable to suit up in the gold medal game owing to a nasty flu virus.

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Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

MELISSA MAJCHRZAK / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey moves the puck against the Utah Mammoth during the second period of a Dec. 21 game in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)
MELISSA MAJCHRZAK / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey moves the puck against the Utah Mammoth during the second period of a Dec. 21 game in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak)

Lack of secondary scoring Jets’ biggest problem, says legendary coach

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Lack of secondary scoring Jets’ biggest problem, says legendary coach

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

Bruce Boudreau has seen a lot of things over his professional hockey career. The stunning collapse of the Winnipeg Jets — from first to worst in the NHL standings in the blink of an eye — has the longtime player turned coach turned puck pundit completely perplexed.

“All options should be on the table,” he told the Free Press. “Keep trying everything until you find something that works.”

For now, status quo continues to be the play. The reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners, who are currently dead last in the league with 34 points (15-18-4), boarded their charter Tuesday with the same 23 players in tow. Nobody was placed on waivers. Nobody was called up from the Manitoba Moose. Nobody was traded.

This, despite dropping six consecutive games (0-3-3) and 19 of their last 25 overall (6-15-4) as they begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday night in Detroit. They’ll also play Thursday in Toronto and then wrap up Saturday in Ottawa.

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Bruce Boudreau (centre) says he hasn’t seen anything to indicate the Jets have stopped trying to win.
DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Bruce Boudreau (centre) says he hasn’t seen anything to indicate the Jets have stopped trying to win.

Jets still in search of consistency outside of top line, Stanley

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets still in search of consistency outside of top line, Stanley

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

The only thing Mark Scheifele could do was look skyward in disbelief.

The Winnipeg Jets’ first-line centre was on the ice in the waning moments of Monday’s game with the Ottawa Senators, doing everything in his power to help preserve a one-goal lead.

With Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson looking to unload a shot from the point during a six-on-five situation, Scheifele instinctively got his stick in the lane in an effort to block it.

Instead of preventing the puck from getting to the net, Sanderson’s shot changed direction and somehow made it behind Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck with 1:54 to go in regulation time.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Fred Greenslade / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Logan Stanley (left) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with Mark Scheifele on Monday. Stanley is currently tied for fourth among all NHL defencemen in even strength goals.
Fred Greenslade / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Jets defenceman Logan Stanley (left) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with Mark Scheifele on Monday. Stanley is currently tied for fourth among all NHL defencemen in even strength goals.

Perfetti looking for a St. Louis spark

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Perfetti looking for a St. Louis spark

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

ST. LOUIS — Cole Perfetti isn’t looking for another Manitoba Miracle. But the struggling Winnipeg Jets winger sure could use a change of fortune after a frustrating run of bad luck and sub-par play.

Perhaps Wednesday’s Central Division clash here in Missouri might get him and some of his teammates going. A St. Louis spark, if you will.

It’s the first meeting between the Jets and Blues since that magical moment last spring, when Perfetti saved his team’s season with a last-second, Game 7 tying goal. Winnipeg went on to win the series thanks to Adam Lowry’s overtime heroics.

“It’s nice to look back on and it’s a very good memory to have,” Perfetti said Tuesday when asked by reporters to take a stroll into the past.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti has just seven points through 18 games since returning from a high-ankle sprain he suffered in a pre-season game against Calgary.
Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti has just seven points through 18 games since returning from a high-ankle sprain he suffered in a pre-season game against Calgary.

Bettman, Daly address state of the Jets, league

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Bettman, Daly address state of the Jets, league

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

Gary Bettman wasn’t here to sound the alarm or to apply any pressure to the ticket-buying public.

As Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly sat at a table in front of the assembled members of the media inside Canada Life Centre on Wednesday morning, there was no formal agenda to adhere to.

This was a routine check-in with one of the 32 member clubs, which gave Bettman another platform to extol the virtues of an exciting start to a season where parity has taken centre stage.

The recent announcement related to the Winnipeg Jets hosting the Montreal Canadiens in an outdoor game next October was celebrated, questions about the upcoming Olympics were sorted through and Bettman also conceded that the Jets quest to reclaim their 1.0 history remains a work in progress — though that would suggest the efforts will continue until a suitable resolution is found.

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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (right) and deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke to the media Wednesday at Canada Life Centre.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (right) and deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke to the media Wednesday at Canada Life Centre.

Perfetti trying to stay confident during cold streak

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Perfetti trying to stay confident during cold streak

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

Cole Perfetti has been down this frustrating road before.

And while it hasn’t made it any easier to avoid the potholes he’s encountered during this latest slump, having that road map does provide a sense of calm for the Winnipeg Jets forward as he battles to work through things.

Perfetti has battled through adversity in the form of surgeries that ended consecutive seasons prematurely and he’s powered through lengthy goal-scoring droughts.

But what he’s going through right now is a combination of working his way back from a significant injury while searching to find the level he’s established for himself on a more consistent basis.

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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Jets winger Cole Perfetti suffered a high-ankle sprain in an exhibition game against the Calgary Flames back in October.

Karl DeBlaker / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets winger Cole Perfetti suffered a high-ankle sprain in an exhibition game against the Calgary Flames back in October.

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