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Sportsnet Insider Predicts Jets to Make Trade With Blackhawks at NHL Entry Draft

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 10:13 AM ET

Sportsnet insider Ryan Dixon predicts the Jets won't be selecting in the first round at this year's NHL draft, but will instead make a trade with the Blackhawks.

The 2025 NHL Draft is only two days away, when the Winnipeg Jets will pick 28th in Friday night's first round in Los Angeles.

A sportsnet insider believes the Blackhawks want the Jets first round pick

Yet with only five total selections in this year's draft, and none in the second round until 2028, trading down to accumulate assets might be the wise choice, and it is what Sportsnet insider Ryan Dixon predicts will happen. He specifically mentions the Chicago Blackhawks as players.

'For the second straight draft, Winnipeg won't make a first-round selection,' wrote Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon in his bold prediction section. 'The Chicago Blackhawks - slated to pick third and 25th right now - will see another player they still like on the board at No. 28 and flip picks No. 34 and 62 to Winnipeg. The Jets will move down and try to find some more second-round steals like Salomonsson.'
- Ryan Dixon

Though first-round selections always bring excitement to front offices and fans, the Jets are faced with enormous holes in their draft board.

They currently possess selections at 28, 92, 156, 188, and 202, a 64-pick difference between their second and third and first and second choices. That's a significant issue for a thin team in regards to long-term depth.

Last year's first-rounder was traded to Montreal at the deadline for Sean Monahan. That pick turned into No. 26 overall, which the Canadiens used to trade up and acquire top prospect Michael Hage.

Monahan performed nicely in Winnipeg with 13 goals and 11 assists in 34 games, but signed with Columbus in free agency, making the trade a pricey rental.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff used to have a good draft track record, but more recent first-round picks such as Ville Heinola and Chaz Lucius have been beset by injuries. Even former second-overall pick Patrik Laine was dealt after four years.

Winnipeg's most recent first-rounder was in 2023 with Colby Barlow at 18th overall, who is just getting underway. History demonstrates, however, that there is no surefire pick.

In a draft where each decision is more critical than ever, trading down might not excite the fan base, but it would provide the Jets with more opportunities to strike. And in today's NHL, more darts on the board appear to be preferable to putting it all on one.

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

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