2026-27 Winnipeg Jets Season Preview

The Winnipeg Jets enter the 2026–27 season with a big question mark: what is going to happen with Connor Hellebuyck? They have a largely unchanged roster after a relatively quiet offseason on the transaction front. They added depth pieces, re-signed a key forward, and said goodbye to a veteran center. The Jets are hopeful that last season’s results were a fluke, and that they’ll be back on track this year.

Key Additions

Stuart Skinner (G) – Signed a two-year, $7.5 million deal ($3.75 million AAV) on July 1st. The 27-year-old brings youth, athleticism, and a .912 save percentage in 45 games last season with Edmonton. He’s expected to serve as the backup behind Connor Hellebuyck, easing the workload and providing stability.

Mario Ferraro (D) – Signed a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million AAV) on July 1st. The 28-year-old left-shot defenseman brings size, mobility.

Noah Gregor (LW) – Signed a one-year, $850,000 deal on July 1st. The 28-year-old brings speed, physicality, and bottom-six depth, expected to play a fourth-line role.

Henry Thrun (D) – Signed a one-year, $850,000 deal on July 1st. The 26-year-old left-shot defenseman brings puck-moving ability, offensive upside.

Viggo Björck (C) – Drafted eighth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft and signed to a three-year entry-level deal. The 18-year-old brings elite skill, two-way play, and NHL-ready potential, expected to compete for a top-nine role.

Jack St. Ivany (D) – Acquired from Pittsburgh on June 27th in exchange for David Gustafsson. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman brings depth and two-way play, expected to compete for a call-up role.

Key Subtractions

Jonathan Toews (C) – Retired on June 19th. The 38-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games last season, a significant loss of veteran leadership, two-way play, and middle-six scoring.

David Gustafsson (C) – Traded to Pittsburgh on June 27th in the St. Ivany deal. The 26-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, removing veteran depth and two-way play.

Eric Comrie (G) – Signed with San Jose. The 31-year-old had a 3.14 GAA and .892 save percentage in 30 games last season, a loss of veteran goaltending depth.

Gustav Nyquist (LW) – Remains unsigned as a free agent. The 37-year-old had 10 goals and 18 points in 68 games, removing veteran depth and scoring from the bottom six.

Impact on 2026–27

The Jets’ offseason moves signal a clear push towards getting back to being competitive. Skinner adds goaltending depth and stability, while Ferraro and Thrun bolster the defense. The departures of Toews, Gustafsson, and Comrie remove veteran presence and depth, but the additions should push Winnipeg up the standings. Expect the Jets to be in the playoff hunt, but a lot may depend on the Hellebuyck trade request.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $99,518,332
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $4,481,668
Deadline cap space – $20,701,038

Winnipeg Jets Depth Chart