Well, the start of the National Hockey League’s free agency period kicks off on Canada Day at 11 am Central….but as Winnipeg Jets’ fans, we all know based on past experience not to expect a bunch of big signings for our club on July 1st. That is the reality of the situation for one of the NHL’s smallest and coldest markets…players are just not lining up to come to Manitoba. Even when the True Northers were doing very well and on way to a Presidents’ Trophy, the Jets were still not a prime destination.
As GM Kevin Cheveldayoff prepares for the 2026-27 campaign, his club is coming off their worst season since 2015-16 and that probably will even reduce the already limited number of players who may want to sign here as a free agent. Although….it is not like there are tons of great options at the top of the UFA pool anyways:
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Even though there aren’t likely any game changers available for NHL teams to sign this summer, there are a few forwards like Mason Marchment, Eeli Tolvanen, Oliver Bjorkstrand, & Scott Laughton who are available and could provide Winnipeg some benefits next season. The Jets also have a hole at the 3rd LD spot and the ideal player to fill that might be Mario Ferraro, though I am sure he will have plenty of other suitors. Some of the True North faithful also might be looking forward to a reunion with big Logan Stanley this summer…but I am certainly not one of them.
Winnipeg does have the cap space to do some things this off-season, as they currently have $19,281,668 available to play with and only one RFA to re-sign. Cole Perfetti had a down year like most of the Jets last season, so the path forward for a talented player just 2 seasons away from UFA status isn’t as clear as it should be. However, even the most optimistic long-term deal for the young winger wouldn’t cost much more than $7M/yr, so Chevy would still have $12M to sign another forward, defenseman, and back up goalie. Besides their sole RFA big league player to sign, the True Northers do have 5 UFAs to consider for new contracts….though I think really only tender Eric Comrie will get any serious reflection.
Of course, if the much discussed trade of Connor Hellebuyck goes ahead, the cap outlook would be likely look totally different, as it has been reported that the Jets are looking for at least a couple of roster players (and therefore salary) coming back. At this point, as much as the media & fans speculate on potential destinations for Bucky…I am getting the feeling that it really is down to just the Buffalo Sabres at this point. While some teams like the Carolina Hurricanes are still lurking around, I don’t think they are willing to give up what Winnipeg is looking for so far.
Here is how the Winnipeg Jets’ cap situation looks for the upcoming seasons (courtesy of PuckPedia):
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I know this article doesn’t include a whole lot of information or analysis….but I just wanted to get a new article up on Arctic Ice Hockey before Free Agency kicked off. Motivation has been low around here and to date, Chevy hasn’t tipped his hand to show what direction he is planning on taking the team. Maybe we’ll get a sign when the Free Agent Frenzy kicks off?
Let me hear if you have any favoured FA targets? Do you think Hellebuyck is going to be traded before the season? On a scale of 1 to 10….what is the excitement level for the upcoming campaign?
Have a great summer everyone!!
