Categories: Winnipeg Jets

Jets and Moose players back in Winnipeg for informal skates ahead of the 2025-26 season

There was a chill in the Manitoba air today which seems appropriate as players across North America are getting ready for training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season. Winnipeg is no different and a handful of skaters took part out at hockey for all centre as they await the formal start to camp.

It was a first viewing for us of three-time Stanley Cup champ Jonathan Toews on the ice in a Jets jersey. He was noticeably engaged.

Photo Credit: Dave Minuk (Illegal Curve)

In total there were nine skaters in either a Jets or Moose jersey skating including the aforementioned Toews along with Dylan DeMelo, Tanner Pearson, Haydn Fleury, Nikita Chibrikov, Danny Zhilkin, Tyson Empey, Reece Vitelli and Ethan Frish. A pair of Manitobans were between the pipes today. Isaac Poulter, who signed this summer and one of the original Jets draft picks and occasional practice goalie Jason Kasdorf.

Photo Credit: Dave Minuk (Illegal Curve)

Good news regarding prospect Nikita Chibrikov who was moving well after an lower-body injury in January cost him the remainder of the 2024-25 season. About the only other notable factoid was Tanner Pearson’s shot.

About an hour after it began this Haydn Fleury pass to Winnipeg prospect Danny Zhilkin ended the drills for the day at the informal skate.

The skates will continue like this until camp starts in mid September.

David Minuk

Working hard on a daily basis to provide the latest Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose news for our readers and listeners. I also appear on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show every Saturday on our YouTube channel as well as the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show after every single Jets game. And I occasionally jump in the play-by-play booth at Canada Life to provide colour analysis during Manitoba Moose games.

Recent Posts

Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager shining in first season with Moose

From a small rink in Saskatchewan to the big stage in Winnipeg, Yager’s rise is…

15 hours ago

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest pro hockey news in Manitoba.

22 hours ago

Global News | John Shannon on the Winnipeg Jets

The veteran journalist shares his insight.

1 day ago