Winnipeg Jets 2026-27 Roster & Line Projection

The Jets are hoping 2026 eighth-overall pick Viggo Bjorck can immediately be the bona fide second-line centre they’ve been lacking for a number of seasons, and he’ll likely get a chance to at least start the season in that role after opting out of his Swedish Hockey League contract. If the 18 year old struggles and needs some time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose, Barron or Namestnikov are candidates to fill the role.

It seems Lambert’s AHL days are behind him after he showed well down the stretch for the Jets last season and he likely needs a top-six role to succeed, considering his skill set. Perfetti, with a brand-new five-year extension in his back pocket, will likely have to switch wings to accommodate Lambert, but it shouldn’t be a huge problem as he shoots left.

Lowry, Niederreiter, and Rosen will make up a third line capable of producing some offence if Lowry and Niederreiter can bounce back after down seasons and the young Rosen — acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the 2026 Trade Deadline — can take a step forward in what appears will be his first full NHL season. The Jets sorely lacked in secondary scoring last season, so they’ll need this trio to take some pressure off the top six if they want to compete in a tough-as-ever Central Division.

The fourth line should be miserable for opponents to play against with the speedy and relentless Koepke and the wily and versatile Iafallo flanking the big-bodied Barron, who set a career high in points last season and was tasked to play up the middle more often. Iafallo and Rosen could also be swapped.

Chibrikov, Duehr, Ford, Gregor, and Yager will all challenge to be among the first Moose call-up options. Duehr, Ford, and Yager all spent some time up with the Jets last season.

Defence

Josh Morrissey –  Dylan DeMelo
Dylan Samberg – Neal Pionk
Mario Ferraro – Elias Salomonsson
Haydn Fleury

Also in the mix: Isaak Phillips, Henry Thrun, Jack St. Ivany

The Jets’ top four will likely be unchanged from last season, with the longtime DeMelo/Morrissey pairing and Samberg/Pionk pairing remaining in tact.

Free-agent signing Ferraro, who played a top-four role for the San Jose Sharks for a number of seasons, will be a big upgrade on the third pairing’s left side. Salomonsson, whose rapid ascension to a dependable NHL defenseman was one of the few positive Jets storylines of last season, should be healthy to start the season after requiring surgery due to an injury sustained in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

It’s possible Pionk, the Jets’ highest-paid defenseman whose production dipped last season amidst injuries, could be bumped to the third pairing if he struggles again and Salomonsson promoted to the top four.

Fleury, Phillips, St. Ivany, and Thrun provide viable depth as all have at least some NHL experience. Fleury has by far the most with 345-career games played, so it appears he has the inside track to be the seventh defenceman and that the other three will start with the Moose.

Goaltenders

Connor Hellebuyck
Stuart Skinner

Also in the mix: Domenic DiVincentiis, Thomas Milic

The biggest question mark the Jets have is if Hellebuyck will start the season as a Jet. However, he remains with the team as of writing and trade rumours have died down a lot since the 2026 Draft and the early days of free agent frenzy.

If Hellebuyck stays, he’ll shoulder the bulk of the workload as usual but likely not make as many starts as he’s accustomed to with a more-experienced backup in Skinner behind him. A 54/30 split seems likely.

If Hellebuyck is dealt, it’ll be the Skinner show. The Jets signed the 27 year old former Edmonton Oiler and Pittsburgh Penguin to a two-year deal on July 1 for that exact scenario.

If Hellebuyck is traded and the return includes an NHL-calibre goaltender, Skinner could be relegated to backup again. If the Hellebuyck trade return doesn’t include one, the Jets could either go with DiVincentiis or Milic as Skinner’s backup, or sign a free-agent veteran to a one-year deal if they think neither youngster is ready for a full-time NHL role.

The Jets will be a younger and faster team than last season, but whether that translates into more success that last season remains to be seen. Keep following The Hockey Writers for more coverage as the season creeps closer.