Note: The day is finally here. Tonight the 2026 NHL Draft kicks off with the Jets holding the 8th overall selection. 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. Join us tonight 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: We will hear from GM Kevin Cheveldayoff this morning at 9:30 AM CT on the state of his hockey club heading into the NHL Draft weekend. We will have it posted here and on the IC YouTube channel.
Note IV: We knew Jets Development Camp was running next week at the hockey for all centre and now we know the dates and times.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: NHL draft swap watch continues. (Paywall). As Wieber lays out the teams that make the most sense would be the Sabres and Sharks but those are also two teams that number 37 may not be interesting in going to as he looks to challenge for a Cup as soon as next year.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets and Connor Hellebuyck appear headed for split. The issue for the Jets isn’t simply finding a trading partner for 37 which in of itself isn’t the easiest task. It’s then explaining to 55, 81, 13 why they should also remains as long-term players in Winnipeg. Which is why I said on last week’s IC Show that the organization has to pick a lane.
Sportsnet: Everything revolves around Connor Hellebuyck. It’s funny writing a Draft preview with so much up in the air surrounding the Jets.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
The Athletic: Which NHL teams could — or should — be interested in Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck? (Paywall). Really nothing new here as they lay out teams that would be looking to acquire the top netminder. Probably should have structured the article with the teams that could at the top and then the ones that should be following.
The Athletic: Rangers offseason insider. (Paywall). This was from a few days back and is of note simply because they wrote that the Rangers might have interest in signing Jets defenceman Ville Heinola who will be a free agent on July 1st. Would be a full-circle moment since the Jets acquired the pick used to draft Heinola from the Rangers in the Trouba trade.
Jets video:
TSN: Examining potential landing spots for Connor Hellebuyck. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun joined Gino Reda to discuss the Sabres shopping the No. 4 pick and potential landing spots for Connor Hellebuyck.
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