Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers: Today’s Hockey Headlines | Feb 18, 2026

Note: It felt like we were in summer mode with a paucity of Jets news aside from what we were getting from the four taking part in the Men’s Hockey at the Olympics. But for most of the players their break concluded on Monday and they hit the ice for their first official practice (with four players up from the Moose to augment their roster) on Tuesday. Two (Neal Pionk & Haydn Fleury) of the three (Colin Miller being the other) injured defencemen were skating but both were in yellow, non-contact uniform and we got an update from head coach Scott Arniel on them after practice. They are back on the ice today for another practice as they ramp things up very much like a mini training camp. Check back for the Practice Report.

Note II: It’s quarterfinals over in Italy and all four teams that feature Jets players will be in action. The day starts at 9:40 AM CST with Team Canada (Josh Morrissey) taking on Czechia. The next game features Switzerland (Nino Niederreiter) going up against the Finns at 11:10 AM CST. And then the day concludes with the United States (Connor Hellebuyck & Kyle Connor) facing Sweden at 2:10 PM CST. Worth noting there is a chance that Kyle Connor is a healthy scratch.

Note III: The AHL club of Manitoba also held a practice on Tuesday as they prepare to conclude their homestand this weekend against the Wild here in Winnipeg. They also got some players added to their roster as both goalie Isaac Poulter and defenceman Ben Zloty hit the ice with the Moose. The good news was prospect Brad Lambert, who missed the last two games due to illness, was skating although he was in a light blue jersey (signifying he was an extra). They are off today.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: The Winnipeg Jets have landed for the NHL stretch drive. The odds are very, very, very, very much against the Jets being able to turn things around this season. They have a higher probability of drafting first overall (8.5% as per DailyFaceoff) than they do at making the playoffs (5.5% as per MoneyPuck). But tell that to the coaches or players. But they all know that the five games out of the break (and before the March 6th trade deadline) will determine what this team looks like for the game on March 7th when they host the Canucks.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets hopeful, status of Canada’s Josh Morrissey a mystery. Given the unfortunate circumstances after last year’s 4 Nation’s, nobody would want to see him miss out in these types of games.

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets thrilled to see teammates on world stage. (Paywall). While they are obviously excited for all of their respective teammates who are competing it isn’t a surprise which team each player is ultimately cheering for when it comes to winning gold.

Olympic Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press: Ehlers, Danes fall short of potential worlds repeat in Milan. (Paywall). Tough break for the proud Dane.

Winnipeg Free Press: Morrissey, Marchand poised to return from injury for Team Canada. (Paywall). Good news for number 44.