Winnipeg Jets – Winnipeg Free Press

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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.

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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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.

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)

Kings snap Jets’ winning streak

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

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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Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

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)

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.

‘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.”

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Toews looking forward to early-season matchup against former club

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Toews looking forward to early-season matchup against former club

Ken Wiebe 8 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.

Jets’ Arniel demands more effort to spark turnaround

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Jets’ Arniel demands more effort to spark turnaround

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read 6:10 PM CST

Josh Morrissey slowly built to a crescendo.

On an afternoon where a multitude of questions had been asked of the star defenceman, Morrissey calmly expressed his displeasure with the predicament the Winnipeg Jets currently find themselves in.

When a team with high expectations suddenly sits dead last in the NHL after going in with serious Stanley Cup aspirations, it’s natural to think frustration would be setting in at some point.

But the alternate captain reinforced his belief in the group and gave a passionate answer when asked what his message to fans would be now that this season-long losing skid (0-6-4) has reached 10 games going into Thursday’s tilt with the Edmonton Oilers.

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6:10 PM CST

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
One option Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel is yet to try is splitting up forwards Mark Scheifele (left) and Kyle Connor (centre) in an effort to try and have each player drive their own lines.

Moose’s Zhilkin on verge of making NHL debut

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read Preview

Moose’s Zhilkin on verge of making NHL debut

Ken Wiebe 5 minute read 5:18 PM CST

That Haydn Fleury was able to spend some time with teammates around the rink instead of laying in a hospital bed was already a clear sign of progress.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman left Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights on a stretcher after he crashed heavily into the end boards with 6:44 left in the first period.

Fleury was on the receiving end of a hit from Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar and because he was so far away from the boards when he lost his balance, the brunt of the impact was taken by his back, though there were other injuries sustained on the play as well.

“Originally, we thought he was staying in the hospital all night. He ended up coming home, I don’t think he wanted to hang around (the hospital),” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel, noting the injury isn’t as serious as originally feared. “He’s got the broken nose, he’s got a bruised back. So, he’s banged up pretty good. He felt it. But, (it was) great seeing him here and seeing him around the room.”

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5:18 PM CST

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
Danny Zhilkin (right) celebrates his goal with Kevin He in pre-season action in September.

Jets look to climb out of league’s basement during homestand

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Jets look to climb out of league’s basement during homestand

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

You’ll forgive Logan Stanley for losing track of just how deep the current nosedive has become. The Winnipeg Jets defenceman, speaking with the media on Monday, was asked about the keys to climbing out of an extended slump like the one his team is experiencing.

“Not taking a shift off or a period off or a night off. We miss a little bit of compete and passion sometimes, and that’s tough when you’re losing 10 in a row and you’re down in the dumps,” said Stanley.

A slight correction: the Jets have lost nine in a row so far, though double digits could be looming as they open a five-game homestand Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. Stanley won’t be able to try and help the cause as he serves a one-game suspension for sucker-punching Brady Tkachuk during Saturday’s 4-2 loss in Ottawa.

He explained himself to the media, essentially reiterating what he told the NHL’s department of player safety during a phone hearing.

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Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel instructs his team during practice at Canada Life Centre on Monday. Arniel noted the club plays nine out of their next 11 games at home, which the team should use to their advantage.

Struggling Jets drop ninth straight with 4-2 loss to Senators

Ken Wiebe 9 minute read Preview

Struggling Jets drop ninth straight with 4-2 loss to Senators

Ken Wiebe 9 minute read Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

OTTAWA – This time, there was no multi-goal lead to try and protect.

No frantic finish or opportunity to tie the game late, even after momentarily pulling within a goal in the third period.

Patches of steady - and occasionally, even solid play? Sure.

But there was also a mostly lifeless second period from a team that needed to display more urgency over the course of the entire contest.

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Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

Patrick Doyle / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Ottawa Senators’ Thomas Chabot (72), Winnipeg Jets’ Nino Niederreiter (62), Senators’ Brady Tkachuk (7), and Jets’ Morgan Barron (36) battle for the puck in the second period in Ottawa on Saturday.

‘Never taking anything like that for granted’: Connor pumped for 4 Nations Face-Off

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

‘Never taking anything like that for granted’: Connor pumped for 4 Nations Face-Off

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

OTTAWA – Kyle Connor has been looking forward to this second act for nearly a calendar year.

After missing out on the high-stakes championship final of the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Winnipeg Jets sniper is determined to be a difference-maker for Team USA at the Olympics in Italy next month.

Named to the team on Friday morning as part of an announcement on the Today Show, Connor spoke to reporters prior to Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators about what it meant to get the call from general manager Bill Guerin.

“Yeah, it was cool. Never taking anything like that for granted,” said Connor. “And there’s nothing better than representing your country and playing for them and playing for something bigger than you.

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Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

GARETH PATTERSON / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor says he’s looking forward to the 4 Nations Face-Off after missing out on the championship final last year.

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 Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

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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Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

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)

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

January 7, 2026

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