NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets and the San Jose Sharks

Winnipeg Jets Winds Of Change

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Winnipeg Jets had a nightmare season with a nosedive that literally made fans and management sick to their stomach. While their recovery was admirable, ultimately they missed the playoffs in a Western Conference where 90 points would have been enough. With change likely blowing in, what can Kevin Cheveldayoff do?

So, the Plan B for Nikolaj Ehlers leaving backfired and set the team back. Injuries and scoring droughts plagued the Jets after their initial 9-3 start. The expectation is for players like Eric Comrie and Cole Koepke (re-signed Saturday) to return. After that, it will be intriguing to see what is offered to Cole Perfetti. Perfetti becomes an interesting case study. Ville Heinola and Gustav Nyquist will be shown the door.

The expectation is that Cheveldayoff will add some snarl and presence to the defense. That defensive reconstruction also went horribly bad and needs to be rectified. As for Jonathan Toews, a heavily reduced role would merit a return, but is it worth it?

Then, there is Connor Hellebuyck. It will be a long summer for Cheveldayoff and the front office.

San Jose Sharks Seek To Upgrade The Defense

The Fourth Period: The San Jose Sharks desperately need to upgrade their defense if they want to gain a spot in the playoffs. San Jose and Mike Grier have $42.5 million in cap space and several holes to fill. Surrounding the existing talent (see Macklin Celibrini) with defensemen that can keep the puck out of the net is a must. San Jose allowed 292 goals in 2025-26.

Honestly, Grier tried to pry Dougie Hamilton out of New Jersey, but the deal never got off the runway. Some talk Morgan Rielly and that deal is controllable with four more years left on his deal. It would not be a shock to see Mario Ferraro back on a shorter deal. After that, Grier wants control via at least a proven younger defenseman and a veteran.

It is clear that San Jose needs stability and presence on the blueline. Now, can Grier find the talent because the money is there.

Could the Sharks try to make moves before NHL Free Agency? That is a great question and possible. Trades before and around the NHL Draft are always out there.