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NHL Analyst Reveals Winnipeg Jets Free Agency Plans Regarding Big Name Players

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 12:25 PM ET

NHL analyst Gabriel Foley revealed that the Jets have a ton of cap space that they will be able to use this offseason, which could land some big-name players.

As free agency looms just days away, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves with a critical off-season staring them in the face.

With an estimated $24.463 million of cap room, the team has the space to re-sign cornerstone franchise players and chase top-end players in free agency.

At the head of Winnipeg's list is re-signing 25-year-old center Gabriel Vilardi, who emerged this season after being held back for years by injuries.

RFA teammate Dylan Samberg also needs a new contract after assuming a 21-minute-a-night role on the blue line for the Jets. Forwards Morgan Barron and Rasmus Kupari, steady fourth-liners, are also up for new deals.

And then there are the unrestricted free agents, of which Nikolaj Ehlers is the center of all attention. After nearly a decade with the Winnipeg Jets, he's going to try his luck on the open market.

The Jets can still retain him, but it won't come cheap. Mason Appleton, who has indicated he'd like to return, had his goal-scoring drop off this season, which would make his argument tricky.

Brandon Tanev, who was picked up at the trade deadline, had just five points in 19 games with Winnipeg and is also due for a decision.

Former top-10 pick Haydn Fleury appears to be headed for a split from the NHL after the last eight seasons were spent traveling between five teams without ever landing a place to call home.

When all is said and done, the Jets will have enough cap room for a big-name player

After Vilardi and Samberg sign new contracts, Winnipeg's cap room would dip under $12 million, but that is still plenty of room to build out the roster and pursue top-tier free agents, per NHL analyst Gabriel Foley at 'Pro Hockey Rumors'.

At 56-22-4 and finishing atop the Western Conference and the entire NHL, the Jets are poised to reload and make a deep playoff push once more. This off-season can redefine Winnipeg's hockey future.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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