Note: The big focus is on the 2026 NHL Draft for which the Jets hold the 8th overall selection coming up in two days. We have been spending quite a bit of time learning about the players who could hear their name get called by Winnipeg. You can also check out our chats with Craig Button here and with Shane Malloy here.
Note II: We will have wall-to-wall coverage of the NHL Draft this weekend. Join us Friday night for a Special Edition Illegal Curve Hockey Show live from Canada Life Centre on Day 1 of the NHL Draft as we break down all the picks, trades and biggest storylines from the opening round. Then on Saturday, we’ll be back with an extended edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show to kick off our Day 2 NHL Draft coverage, with analysis of the Jets’ selections, league-wide reaction and everything you need to know from one of the busiest weekends on the hockey calendar.
Note III: Jets prospects will be heading east once again for the annual prospects tournament, though this year the event will take place in Gatineau, Quebec, and be hosted by the Senators.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: All eyes on Jets’ Hellebuyck? Right now there is a lot of noise and it really doesn’t seem very warranted, other than to generate clicks. As you can see in the link below, Dreger was on the tele on Tuesday discussing how offers for the top netminder are way too low. I also don’t see the Jets making a deal of this calibre to a western team (with the possible exception being the Sharks). I don’t see how the Panthers have anything left they are prepared to deal that would be appealing to Winnipeg. If I had to put on my prognostication hat, it really seems like the Sabres and Sharks are the two most likely landing spots.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
TSN: Jets draw considerable interest in Hellebuyck, but return not enough to move him. It would seem the message from Kevin Cheveldayoff (via Dreger) to other GMs is that current offers aren’t sufficient. Signals the Jets are willing to consider keeping Hellebuyck rather than making a move simply for the sake of expedience.
Jets video:
TSN: With Winnipeg taking calls on Hellebuyck, what does this mean for Jets? Director of Scouting Craig Button and Mike Johnson examine the issues facing the Jets this offseason.
NHL Draft:
Winnipeg Free Press: A six-pack of possible Winnipeg Jets draft picks. (Paywall). Have to think it’s either gonna be a defenceman or centre selected with the eighth overall selection.
Winnipeg Sun: Five players the Jets could target with eighth overall pick. Massimo goes with the five names we’ve been consistently hearing should be available for the Jets when they step up to the podium.
Illegal Curve Hockey: Manitoba’s Carson Carels says being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets would be a dream. The Cypress River product is projected to hear his name called early in the NHL Draft.
Stanley Cup:
Winnipeg Free Press: Highlight-reel year for Winnipeg childhood buddies of Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis. (Paywall). Not sure I can ever recall a group of buddies being so celebrated as these guys but good for them as they have used it to get themselves to the Olympics, to celebrating the Stanley Cup and more.
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