Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers: Today’s Hockey Headlines | October 5, 2026

Note: The Jets kicked off their first road trip of the season yesterday in Detroit which began with a Tyrel Bauer tilt, followed by some special teams prowess which ultimately resulted in a 3-2 victory for Winnipeg. It was a solid game for Stuart Skinner who made 33 saves in his first victory for his new club while Kyle Connor continues to look like he shot out of a cannon to start the season.

Note II: However, there is no rest time for them as their road trip continues today in Pittsburgh which is where they jetted to after yesterday’s game. They will take on the undefeated (2-0-0) Penguins this evening in their first back-to-back of the season. Stay tuned for the pre-game report to get up to speed on the latest. Puck drop is at 6:30 PM CT.

Note III: After today’s final buzzer between Winnipeg and Pittsburgh, join the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show as we break down the season opener. We expect to get underway around 9:10 PM CT.

Note IV: The Moose were back in action on Sunday looking to complete a season-opening sweep of the Wolves after a 3-0 win on Saturday. Manitoba raced out to another 3-0 lead in the opening frame before Chicago erased it, but the Moose quickly got back on track, scoring five unanswered goals over the final 40 minutes to cruise to an 8-3 win. They are off today.

Note V: Couple of prospects showed up on the scoresheet on Sunday. Out east, Alexandre Taillefer (2026 5th) showed off his skating on the first of his two assists for Québec, while out west, Owen Martin (2025 3rd) scored his first goal of the season in just his second game back after an ankle injury hobbled him during Jets training camp.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: Connor, special teams squeak Jets past Red Wings. When it was 3-0 it really seemed like Winnipeg would cruise to victory. The good news is the special teams, specifically the power play, are red-hot. The bad is the 5 on 5 isn’t quite as smoking. Of course it’s only been two games. 

Winnipeg Free Press: Stevenson set for first Jets start against Penguins. (Paywall). There’s been lot of hype about him so it will be interesting to finally see him in action. 

Winnipeg Free Press: Connor powers Jets past Red Wings for first win of season. (Paywall). Something about the man from Michigan when he plays Detroit.

MLive: Penalty kill fails Red Wings, who lose to Jets and fall to 0-2. A view from yesterday’s game from a writer who covers the Jets opponent. 

Globe and Mail: The Red Wings and Jets can make examples out of their star players making trade demands. Cathal Kelly argues that Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck miscalculated by publicly demanding trades, turning themselves into villains while strengthening their teams’ resolve not to sell low.
His broader point: if players sign long-term deals, they should expect to honour them, and Detroit and Winnipeg holding firm could discourage similar trade demands around the NHL.