Now that the Olympic break is out of the way, the NHL is sliding right back into chaos with the trade deadline almost here. And the Jets? They’re in a weird spot. Last year, they looked like they were building toward something big after snagging the Presidents’ Trophy. This year… not so much. Things just never clicked, and now they’re one of those teams everyone expects to sell a bit and reset.
The Jets’ Status at the Trade Deadline: Sellers
Let’s call it what it is: the Jets aren’t making the playoffs unless something wild happens. Sitting at 22-26-8 with basically no momentum, and with their playoff odds down around five percent, it’s pretty clear where this is heading. They’ve got veterans on expiring deals, they’re below .500, and there’s no real reason to push all-in just to maybe sneak in. Selling isn’t giving up—it’s just being realistic about where things are right now.
Jets’ Salary Cap Space
If there’s one advantage Winnipeg has going into the deadline, it’s money to play with. They’ve got around $17.44 million in space, which is a ton at this time of year. And because they haven’t used any retention slots yet, they can get creative. Want to retain salary to bump up a return? Easy. Want to help a couple of other teams make a deal happen and grab an extra pick? Sure. They actually have room to do things other teams can’t, which puts them in a sneaky good position for a team that’s selling.
Jets’ Trade Chips
The Jets do have pieces that teams will ask about. Here are the three most likely subjects:
Logan Stanley is probably at the top of that list. He’s a UFA, he’s having his best season, and he’s huge. Big defencemen who are playing well always get attention. Wouldn’t be shocking if multiple teams start circling.
Luke Schenn hasn’t had the smoothest year, but GMs love veterans who block shots and don’t complain about their role. Someone always talks themselves into a guy like him.
Jonathan Toews is interesting. The offence has dipped, but he can still help on draws and in tight playoff games. If he’s open to waiving his clause, there will absolutely be teams calling.
Jonathan Toews, of the Winnipeg Jets.
Gustav Nyquist hasn’t been lighting it up, but he’s still a depth scorer who might appeal to a contender looking for a low-risk add.
What Are They Buying?
Looking ahead, it’s pretty clear what Winnipeg needs. Like a lot of other teams, they need a legit second-line center and more scoring help, especially in that middle part of the lineup. They hoped Toews could fill some of that gap, but it just didn’t pan out the way they expected. They need someone who can take pressure off their top guys and spread the offence around a bit.
The Bottom Line for the Jets
The Jets aren’t in the spot they wanted to be, but this deadline is actually a chance to reset the whole picture. Move the right veterans, stock up on assets, and suddenly next season doesn’t look so far away. It’s not the exciting “big push” scenario fans love, but it might be exactly what they need right now.
Related: Winnipeg Jets: Tough Year, but a Big Bounce-Back Coming?
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