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Winnipeg Jets' Blue Line Logjam Could Spark Roster Shakeup in Offseason

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 26, 2025 5:13 PM ET

The Jets have a surplus of defensemen, and if everyone gets signed to a contract, not everyone will make the team, which could lead to discontent and trades.

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has a busy off-season on the horizon, and the defencemen present some of the toughest decisions.

Were Dylan Samberg to sign an eight-year deal, which appears likely with where things stand, he and countryman Neal Pionk, as well as Josh Morrissey, along with Dylan DeMelo, would form an unmistakable top four on the blue line for the next little while.

Other than that, it becomes tight. Right-shot blueliners Colin Miller and Luke Schenn are contractually tied up for a year longer, as are left-shot defenders Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola.

Locking up Haydn Fleury could really crowd the blue line in Winnipeg

If prospect UFA-to-be Haydn Fleury is signed to a new deal after his impressive first year in Winnipeg, and if Elias Salomonsson arrives early, the blue-line depth chart might become even more crowded.

While Winnipeg's defensive prospect pool is not overflowing with talent, no immediate help is necessary. The question then begs: Should the Jets look to move on from Stanley or Heinola?

Stanley is only a year away from unrestricted free agency, whereas Heinola has some time left before he reaches the free market.

Both former first-rounders have been pros when it comes to their assignments, but with diminishing opportunity and added competition, their paths to regular NHL work in Winnipeg become increasingly severed.

Cheveldayoff may be forced to seek out trade situations to turn these young veterans into assets that better align with the long-term aspirations of the club.

Ultimately, hard choices need to be made, and letting go may be the most rational thing for all involved.

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

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