Winnipeg Jets – Winnipeg Free Press

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Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Koepke registered 177 hits last season with the Boston Bruins and has already racked up 29 hits through the first 10 games with his new club.

Jets’ Koepke important cog in penalty-killing unit

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read 6:46 PM CDT

Cole Koepke had an important life decision to make, so he sought a little help from his friends before signing on the dotted line.

Fortunately for Koepke, after the Winnipeg Jets came calling in free agency, he had two mainstays on the roster in Dylan Samberg and Neal Pionk that he could lean on for information and guidance.

“Quite a bit. I actually didn’t even know what to expect going into free agency,” Koepke said before suiting up in his 11th game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks. “I hadn’t really heard much about Winnipeg. But I knew those guys, so when it started to get brought up, they were the first call and I just kind of asked how things were — and if they thought it would be a good fit. They gave me their advice and I’m glad I took it.”

The end result was a one-year contract with the Jets worth US$1 million and it allowed Koepke to join an NHL club with two fellow University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs he was quite familiar with.

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‘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 Yesterday at 6:49 PM CDT

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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Yesterday at 6:49 PM CDT

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 Yesterday at 6:22 PM CDT

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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Yesterday at 6:22 PM CDT

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.

Nyquist improving ‘all the time’: Arniel

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Nyquist improving ‘all the time’: Arniel

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gustav Nyquist is still searching.

The Winnipeg Jets winger feels the transition is coming along, perhaps not as quickly as he would like, but strides forward are being taken nonetheless.

No, the offensive totals are not eye-popping, with three assists to show for his first nine games going into Tuesday’s contest with the Minnesota Wild.

Yet, Nyquist is adapting to a new system and has been churning through a high number of different linemates during the first month of the campaign.

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Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

MATT SLOCUM / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
After a difficult 2024-25 season between the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, Winnipeg Jets forward Gustav Nyquist is banking on himself to bounce back this season with his new club.

Winnipeg Jets hoping for a hot start against Utah Mammoth

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Jets hoping for a hot start against Utah Mammoth

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

The Winnipeg Jets are about to face one of their biggest early tests of the young hockey season.

Sunday’s clash with the Utah Mammoth at Canada Life Centre will be a showdown between two of the NHL’s top teams right now — not only in the Central Division, but league-wide.

Winnipeg enters with a 6-2-0 record, while Utah carries an identical mark into Saturday’s meeting with the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul. After a few years of steady progress, the Mammoth are beginning to come of age and announce their arrival to the rest of the league.

“We know the skill that they have, and obviously they’ve taken a big step forward. So it will be a challenge,” Jets defenceman Neal Pionk said Saturday following an optional skate at the downtown rink.

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Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Connor Hellebuyck makes a save against Seattle Kraken’s Jordan Eberle during the third period in Winnipeg on Thursday. Hellebuyck will return to the net Sunday against Utah.

Stingy Kraken stymie Jets 3-0

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Preview

Stingy Kraken stymie Jets 3-0

Mike McIntyre 7 minute read Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

It’s a tale as old as time: Tired, slumping hockey team limps into town and, facing a rested, streaking opponent, finds a way to gut out a victory.

For the latest in a long line of examples, see what transpired Thursday night at Canada Life Centre.

The Winnipeg Jets were basically beaten at their own game — stymied by stellar goaltending, strong special teams and a committed to defensive structure on full display by the Seattle Kraken, who ultimately skated away with a 3-0 win.

“You know what, they’re good. They’re a good defensive team and their goaltender stood tall,” said Jets coach Scott Arniel.

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Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Seattle’s Jaden Schwartz scores the game-winning goal against Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck on Thursday during the second period.

Fleurys savour every moment together on ice, as teammates and as foes

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Fleurys savour every moment together on ice, as teammates and as foes

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

In his role of older brother, Haydn Fleury has worn many hats.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman has shown the way, acted as a protector and often lent a helping hand with a word or two of advice when it comes to the experiences on and off the ice he shares with Cale, who plays for the Seattle Kraken and is just over two years younger.

After the morning skate Thursday, Fleury played the role of hype man as he spoke with reporters about the third meeting of their respective NHL careers that was about to take place inside Canada Life Centre.

“Yeah, this is the marquee matchup, though,” said Fleury. “Around the NHL, everyone has this one on their calendars.”

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Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

David Zalubowski / The Associated Press files
Jets defenceman Haydn Fleury played briefly with his brother on the Seattle Kraken.

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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.

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.

Toews scores first as a Jet in 2-1 win over Flames

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Preview

Toews scores first as a Jet in 2-1 win over Flames

Mike McIntyre 10 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

CALGARY — It was fitting, really, that on a night Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stood so tall, one of his 32 saves would ultimately lead to the game-winning goal for his club.

With time winding down in the third period and the score tied 1-1 on Monday night inside the Saddledome, defenceman Josh Morrissey quickly scooped up a rebound that came after a stellar Hellebuyck stop. In the blink of an eye, he sprung Kyle Connor, who streaked up the ice on an ensuing 2-on-1 rush with Mark Scheifele.

It was like muscle memory at that point for the dynamic duo, as Connor fed Scheifele for a beautiful one-timer that eluded Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf.

“Unbelievable pass by KC,” said Scheifele, who knew exactly what was coming. “I trust in that guy with the puck every single time. You know he’s an amazing player, and I’m lucky to play with him.”

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Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Jets forward Alex Iafallo (right) tries to poke the puck past Flames goalie Dustin Wolf on Monday night in Calgary.

Winnipeg native Kirkland took long road to the NHL

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Preview

Winnipeg native Kirkland took long road to the NHL

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

CALGARY — His teammates call him “Costco” — a clever nod to the warehouse retailer’s signature discount brand that happens to share his last name.

Fittingly, Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland hails from Winnipeg, a city that certainly knows the value of a good bargain.

“It wasn’t really a thing until last year. A couple of the guys started saying it, then more and more and it really took off,” Kirkland told the Free Press on Monday morning with a laugh.

“It’s been fun. Mom and Dad think it’s hilarious.”

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Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

Stephen Brashear / The Associated Press
Calgary Flames forward Justin Kirkland has plenty of family members in Winnipeg cheering him on.

‘Stanley! Stanley!’ Jets fans roar for unexpected hero

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

‘Stanley! Stanley!’ Jets fans roar for unexpected hero

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

CALGARY — The chants were raining down from the rafters Saturday night inside Canada Life Centre. Not once, but twice.

“Stanley! Stanley! Stanley!” the crowd of more than 14,000 bellowed in unison.

Believe it or not, this had nothing to do with a certain silver trophy the Winnipeg Jets hope to be hoisting next June — and everything to do with their 6-7 defenceman who has, at times, been public enemy No. 1 around here.

“I think it’s a first, so yeah, it felt good. I’ll take it,” Logan Stanley said after the game, a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators which improved Winnipeg’s record to 4-1-0.

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Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

‘Stanley! Stanley!’ Jets fans roar for unexpected hero

Jets off to hot start despite dropping season opener

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Jets off to hot start despite dropping season opener

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

In its simplest form, Scott Arniel is seeing progress.

And when you consider all of the factors that have gone into a 3-1 start for the Winnipeg Jets — which includes three consecutive victories after dropping the opener 5-4 to the Dallas Stars — it’s easy to understand why Arniel would feel that way.

As the Jets get set to welcome the Nashville Predators to Canada Life Centre on Saturday, the Jets are putting together stretches that remind you why they got off to such an amazing start last season.

No, the Jets aren’t going to go 8-0-0 to start the campaign and it’s going to be difficult to match the 15-1 mark they came out of the gate with, but when the Jets show the commitment to team defence that was on display in Thursday’s 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, they’re still incredibly tough to beat.

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has turned aside 45 of the 49 shots he has faced in his last two games.

Elkhorn’s Sanheim continues to impress on Flyers’ roster

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Elkhorn’s Sanheim continues to impress on Flyers’ roster

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — There’s a part of Travis Sanheim that wishes he would have been able to push fast forward.

That would have allowed the Philadelphia Flyers defenceman and Elkhorn product to speed up the development process, though he also recognizes some of those stumbles early in his career helped shape him into the bona fide No. 1 defenceman he is today.

“Just a lot of challenges along the way, a lot of learning curves. Things that I wish I could have told myself a lot sooner,” Sanheim said in a one-on-one interview before the Flyers hosted the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. “But you have to go through that as a young defenceman, with some of the mistakes and some of the tough nights that you go through. Just a lot of learning. A lot of work on my game, getting better each and every day. I’m really happy with where I’m at and where I think I can get to.”

Sanheim, who was chosen 17th overall by the Flyers in the 2014 NHL draft, is undeniably in a great place.

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Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Matt Slocum / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Travis Sanheim has been averaging north of 27 minutes going into Thursday’s action against the Winnipeg Jets. Now in his ninth season with the club, the Elkhorn product continues to anchor the Flyers’ top pairing.

Jets’ Toews already making an impact

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets’ Toews already making an impact

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025

PHILADELPHIA — The signposts have been there for all to see.

With each passing day in this remarkable return to NHL action, Jonathan Toews is piling up small victories.

Although it’s still very early in the process, Toews is already well past the point of wondering what he’s gotten himself into — or if he’s up to the task.

Any concerns about where two-and-a-half years away from the sport he loves for health reasons might leave him are being alleviated.

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Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025

Angelina Katsanis / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Winnipeg Jets centre Jonathan Toews (left) picked up his first point since April 2023 during Monday’s road win over the New York Islanders. Toews is already making an impact in the face-off circle, currently sitting at a 62.3 per cent win rate in the early season.

Jets defenceman Miller expected to be called in, Fleury day-to-day

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Jets defenceman Miller expected to be called in, Fleury day-to-day

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

NEW YORK – Colin Miller, the stage is yours.

Thanks to a lower-body injury to Haydn Fleury, the veteran defenceman is expected to be called into duty and make his season debut for the Winnipeg Jets on Monday afternoon against the New York Islanders.

Miller has experience dealing with the in-and-out nature of being a sixth or seventh defenceman over the course of his career, so you can expect him to be ready to try and seize the opportunity.

“You want to get your first game under the belt for your season. We have a lot of good D-men on this team, so we help out where we can. ” said Miller, who had four goals and 15 points in 60 games with the Jets last season but was a healthy scratch in the first two games of the current campaign. “When you are on the off-side, there are some things that are better and some things that are different, taking routes. Some positives, as well as some things to adjust to.”

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Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

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