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NHL

MIKE SUDOMA / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck says he privately requested a trade several months ago.

‘Moving on is the best path forward’

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Connor Hellebuyck has broken his silence in an effort to expedite his departure from the Winnipeg Jets.

In a statement released by agent Ray Petkau on Thursday afternoon, Hellebuyck confirmed he has asked to be moved by the team that chose him in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL draft.

“I have never forgotten June 23, 2012. That’s the day the Winnipeg Jets took a chance on a goalie playing in Odessa, Texas. I gave everything I had from that moment to prove the Jets made the right decision,” Hellebuyck said in the statement.

“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully, while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

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Winnipeg Jets

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Puck drops on the Winnipeg Jets’ sweet 16th season Oct. 2 at Canada Life Centre against the Boston Bruins.

Jets drop puck on sweet 16th season at home

Ken Wiebe 4 minute read Preview

Jets drop puck on sweet 16th season at home

Ken Wiebe 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 16, 2026

The Winnipeg Jets will be a busy bunch when the new season begins.

The NHL released the freshly expanded 84-game schedules for all 32 teams on Thursday and the Jets open the campaign with 14 games during the month of October — including seven at Canada Life Centre.

The busiest month of the season for the Jets will be November, as they will play 15 games in 30 days.

Following the home opener against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 2, the Jets head out for two games in two days against the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins before returning home for a three-game homestand that includes a visit from Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche.

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Thursday, Jul. 16, 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 7 minute read Preview

Jets GM Cheveldayoff happy with off-season additions

Mike McIntyre 7 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

Winnipeg Jets

CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON Winnipeg Jets first round draft pick Viggo Bjorck at Jets development camp on Friday at the Hockey For All Centre.

Welcome to Viggopeg

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Welcome to Viggopeg

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

Viggomania ran wild this week. And the Winnipeg Jets latest first-round pick did everything in his power to keep the hype train rolling.

By the time Viggo Bjorck skated off the ice on Friday at Hockey For All Centre and signed a bunch of autographs and posed for photos, it was abundantly clear that the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft had left a positive impression on the Jets fan base.

Although it’s important to remember where we are in the calendar, Bjorck showcased his skillset on numerous occasions, whether it was making a deft pass up the middle to Jacob Julien to open the scoring during the scrimmage or burying a dish from Alfons Freij to show off his finishing ability.

Bjorck also provided a glimpse of his competitive nature when he got involved in a discussion over whether or not the goals scored during the shootout held between periods would count in this battle between Team White and Team Blue.

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Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Manitoba Moose defenceman Garrett Brown (left) signs an autograph for six-year-old Braelyn Julius at Hockey For All Centre on Thursday.

Jets fans flock to see franchise’s future

Grace Penner 6 minute read Preview

Jets fans flock to see franchise’s future

Grace Penner 6 minute read Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

There’s no off-season for Winnipeg Jets enthusiasts.

Fans of all ages have made their way to the Hockey For All Centre to watch Jets development camp this week to scope out the franchise’s future prospects and/or have merchandise signed. Even on a Thursday morning, Winnipeggers filled the stands to see what is up and coming for their beloved team.

Phil Mahoney brought his son Sawyer to the rink decked out in Jets and Manitoba Moose gear to show their support for the organization every day this week.

“Here to check out the prospects and see what’s coming up the pipeline. My son really likes hockey so I just love bringing him on,” Mahoney said. “It’s always a good time coming here. I’m a big Jets fan, always have been.”

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Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

GENE J. PUSKAR / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES ‘My expectation is to bring my absolute best game day in and day out, grab that consistency, and run,’ says goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Skinner signing adds to Winnipeg Jets goalie intrigue

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Skinner signing adds to Winnipeg Jets goalie intrigue

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Stuart Skinner made no bold proclamations about his expected workload, nor did he provide any hints about whether or not he expected to be part of a tandem with Connor Hellebuyck, given the noise that has surrounded the Winnipeg Jets starting goaltender.

After agreeing to terms of a two-year deal with an AAV of US$3.75 million, Skinner showcased his trademark accountability and humility when asked about his expected role come this fall.

“To be honest, it wasn’t too much of a conversation because we don’t know too much,” said Skinner, when asked directly about Hellebuyck. “Obviously, there’s rumors out there. As far as my experience, rumours are just rumours until something happens.

“As of right now, me and Helle are teammates, which is so exciting. I mean, he’s the best goalie in the world, so it’s a great opportunity for me. I think, again, with the thought process of growing my game and just becoming a better goalie and the type of culture that Winnipeg brings, it’s extremely exciting.”

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Wednesday, Jul. 1, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON FILES Forward Kevin He is likely to start next season with the Manitoba Moose after another Jets training camp in September.

‘Can’t wait to get going’: Childhood duo of He, Walton raring for Moose season

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

‘Can’t wait to get going’: Childhood duo of He, Walton raring for Moose season

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

They’ve been on mostly parallel paths for the longest time, dating back to their time as minor hockey teammates in the Greater Toronto Area with the Toronto Red Wings.

For Kevin He and Kieron Walton, the intersection of their shared dream is about to graduate to the next step: full-time professional hockey players.

It was wild enough that the Winnipeg Jets chose both forwards at the 2024 NHL Draft, with He going in the fourth round and Walton following him in the sixth.

In all likelihood, He and Walton are now set to start next season with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League after attending Jets training camp in September.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 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 5 minute read Preview

Vigfusson vying to impress at Jets development camp

Mike McIntyre 5 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

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 6 minute read Preview

Pride of Cypress River drafted sixth overall by Calgary Flames

Mike McIntyre 6 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

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed Friday morning that the club is open to trading its star netminder Connor Hellebuyck.

Cheveldayoff open to Hellebuyck trade

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Cheveldayoff open to Hellebuyck trade

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has confirmed the organization is open to trading superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and currently listening to offers.

There’s just one problem.

“Obviously what I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” Cheveldayoff said Friday morning in a Zoom call with media. “I guess the best answer is: I’m still listening.”

How, exactly, did we get here? Cheveldayoff, who normally holds his cards tight to the vest, was slightly more revealing than usual — perhaps in an attempt to juice the offers rival GMs might ultimately present to him.

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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 6 minute read Preview

NHL draft swap watch continues

Ken Wiebe 6 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

Manitoba Moose

David Zalubowski / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Isak Rosen (right) inked a two year contract extension on Wednesday.

Day of signings for home club and on the farm

Mike McIntyre 3 minute read Preview

Day of signings for home club and on the farm

Mike McIntyre 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The Winnipeg Jets and pending restricted free agent forward Isak Rosen have quickly found some middle ground.

Both sides came together on Wednesday for a two year contract extension. Rosen, 23, will earn US$925,000 per season. The slick Swedish skater was coming out of his entry-level deal and had 10 points (six goals, four assists) in 37 combined games for the Jets and Buffalo Sabres last year.

He also led Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, with 25 goals in 37 games prior to being promoted full-time to the NHL.

Rosen was shipped to Winnipeg along with defenceman Jacob Bryson, a 2027 second-round pick, and a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange for blue-liners Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn at the trade deadline.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 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 3 minute read Preview

Jets rounding out alumni game roster

Mike McIntyre 3 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

Winnipeg Jets

Nam Y. Huh / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets centre Jonathan Toews is hanging up his blades on his storied career.

St. Vital’s own Jonathan Toews hanging up blades on storied career

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

St. Vital’s own Jonathan Toews hanging up blades on storied career

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

Jonathan Toews is ready to hang up his blades.

The Winnipegger has decided to retire, with a formal announcement scheduled for Friday morning at the Dakota community centre that was renamed to celebrate him.

Toews is one of the most decorated athletes this province has produced and his ability to deliver three Stanley Cups for the Chicago Blackhawks is something he will be remembered for, especially since the first one in 2010 snapped a 49-year drought for the Original Six franchise.

The pride of St. Vital also enjoyed tremendous success on the international stage, becoming the 24th player to join the Triple Gold Club of capturing gold at the World Junior Hockey Championship (2005 and 2006), the IIHF Men’s World Championship (2007) and the Olympics (2010, 2014).

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

Winnipeg Jets

Kyusung Gong / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES St. Louis Blues defenceman Colton Parayko has already partnered with Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey at the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Olympics.

Salomonsson’s surgery calls for Jets to make blue-line changes in off-season

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Salomonsson’s surgery calls for Jets to make blue-line changes in off-season

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

It won’t be a major overhaul for the Winnipeg Jets blue line, but there’s certainly an opportunity to make some improvements to the back end this summer for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and company.

Roster construction is top of mind as the Jets and 28 other teams continue to watch what’s happening in the Stanley Cup race.

While the NHL is a copycat league, the teams that have advanced to the Western and Eastern Conference finals — the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens — don’t exactly fit under the one-size-fits-all template.

After taking a look at the second-line centre position, it’s time to identify another area that should welcome some additional talent, whether that’s via trade or free agency.

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Tuesday, May. 19, 2026

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