5 predictions for the Winnipeg Jets’ 2025-26 season

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The 2024-25 NHL season was an unforgettable experience for the Winnipeg Jets and their followers. They took dwelling the Presidents’ Trophy, set new franchise information, Connor Hellebuyck received each the Hart and the Vezina, and naturally, the “Manitoba Miracle”—when Cole Perfetti tied Sport 7 in opposition to the St. Louis Blues with simply 1.6 seconds left.

However regardless of how particular final season was, time strikes on. We’re now lower than two months away from pre-season puck drop, so let’s have a look forward and make some predictions for the upcoming season. A few of these might age very well… or blow up in my face. Let’s dive in.

1. Jonathan Toews places up 40+ factors and locks down the second-line centre function

The most important story of the offseason? Simple—Jonathan Toews is again, and he’s a Winnipeg Jet. Nobody noticed this coming. Toews hasn’t performed in two years whereas coping with persistent inflammatory response syndrome, and it felt like his profession may’ve been over. However he’s confirmed he’s prepared, and now he’s coming dwelling.

I don’t suppose Toews is simply coming again to strive—I believe he’s going to make an affect. I’ve obtained him placing up 40+ factors and locking down that second-line centre function.

He’s probably the greatest faceoff guys the league has ever seen—he’s by no means been under 53% in his total profession. His finest season on the dot got here in 2022-23, his final one, when he completed at 63.1%.

I don’t anticipate him to start out out as 2C instantly—he’ll in all probability start on the fourth line and work his means up—however I do suppose he’ll decide up the place he left off. If he stays wholesome, he’s nonetheless obtained rather a lot left to provide.

2. Jets end second within the Central Division

Even after shedding Ehlers and a few depth guys, I nonetheless see the Jets as contenders. I don’t suppose they drop out of the highest three within the Central. It’ll be a battle between the Dallas Stars, Jets, and Colorado Avalanche for the highest spots. And don’t sleep on the Utah Mammoth—I believe they might shock folks too.

In my thoughts, the Jets end second behind Dallas. Colorado takes third, which might arrange a spicy first-round rematch between Winnipeg and the Avalanche

It won’t be one other Presidents’ Trophy yr, but when they’ll work out that second-line centre function (which I believe Toews can resolve), they’re nonetheless a critical Cup risk.

3. Connor Hellebuyck wins his third-straight Vezina

Yep, I’m calling it—Hellebuyck is taking dwelling his fourth Vezina and third in a row. Why? As a result of he’s nonetheless the most effective goalie within the league, and there’s no signal of him slowing down.

Final season, he was on one other degree:

2.00 GAA (1st)

47 wins (1st)

8 shutouts (1st)

.925 SV% (2nd)

He was rock stable all yr lengthy.

Now, I do know what you’re considering—playoffs. And yeah, spherical one was tough. Helle obtained pulled in all three video games in St. Louis and gave up 16 objectives in that stretch. It was simply the worst postseason efficiency we’ve seen from him.

However give him credit score—he bounced again in spherical two. Two shutouts and a .905 save share. The Jets didn’t transfer on, however Hellebuyck performed means higher.

Common season? He’s elite. And that’s what the Vezina is predicated on. So yeah, give the person one other one.

4. Cole Perfetti breaks out and hits 60+ factors

Cole Perfetti is coming off a profession yr and heading right into a contract season. Appears like a breakout ready to occur.

He performed all 82 video games final yr and put up 50 factors (18G, 32A). Then within the playoffs, he added 6 factors (3G, 3A) in 13 video games.

Now with Ehlers gone and a brand new contract on the road, I believe that is the yr Perfetti hits that 60-point mark. He’s gotten stronger, he’s utilizing his dimension higher, and he’s profitable extra puck battles alongside the boards. That makes him simpler at each ends of the ice.

His confidence retains rising, and with extra ice time and accountability, 60 factors feels very reachable.

5. Nikita Chibrikov proves himself as a stable third-liner

This one ties into my most up-to-date article—why Chibrikov deserves an actual shot with the Jets this fall.

The underside six has some query marks heading into the season. Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev are each gone, and the third-line proper wing spot is up for grabs. I believe Chibrikov ought to get that shot.

Each time he’s been known as up, he’s proven one thing. He’s obtained offensive talent, he’s gritty, and he’s not afraid to battle regardless of being simply 5-foot-10. He’ll must deliver that very same edge constantly, particularly alongside the boards—however he’s been near a point-per-game participant in restricted NHL time.

Give him the prospect, and I believe he proves himself as a dependable third-liner this season.

Closing ideas

The 2025-26 season needs to be one other enjoyable one for the Jets and their followers. Between Toews’ comeback and watching the most effective goalie on this planet, there’s rather a lot to be enthusiastic about.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS 

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