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Winnipeg Jets May Loses First-Round Pick Defenseman for Nothing Due to Poor Asset Management

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 26, 2025 12:57 PM ET

Poor asset management by the Winnipeg Jets may cost them former first-round pick defenseman Haydn Fleury, as the team struggles to deal with free agents.

The Winnipeg Jets enter the 2025 offseason with a huge decision: re-sign star UFA Nikolaj Ehlers or use their cap money to reshape the roster.

Once the Ehlers situation is decided, the team must focus on signing long-term extensions for Dylan Samberg and Gabriel Vilardi.

This summer can decide the Jets' path, either cementing them as Stanley Cup competitors once more or exposing flaws that keep them from getting there.

The Jets may have too many defensemen on their roster

One of the bubble players is defenseman Haydn Fleury, a former first-round draft pick who might be lost by virtue of bad asset management. After Samberg signs, the Jets will have eight NHL defensemen, nine if Fleury is back.

They usually keep seven on the active roster during the regular season, so depth is not a short-term concern. Spare defensemen can be sent to the minors if necessary after training camp, but Fleury likely would not be too pleased with that.

However, Winnipeg could clear space in advance. If the club is willing to part with Ville Heinola, it would be best to trade him before next July when he is a Group VI UFA.

But the smarter move is to wait until training camp, assess health, and then make waiver choices on Heinola, Fleury, or even a veteran, as per NHL insider Murat Ates.

The Jets could proactively try to clear room. If they're done with Ville Heinola, for example, they could try to move him before he becomes a Group VI UFA next summer. It would be easier and more cautious to wait until training camp and make sure everyone is healthy to start the season before risking waivers on Heinola, Fleury, or even one of the established veterans. The Jets signed Fleury on July 5 last summer; whether it's Winnipeg or a different team, it seems less likely that Fleury lasts that long after a strong showing this season.
- Murat Ates

Fleury, who signed last July 5, impressed this year and will not remain unsigned for long this time, whether that is in Winnipeg or somewhere else. Unfortunately for the Jets, it may mean they will have to say goodbye to this former first-rounder.

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

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