After capturing the Presidents’ Trophy just a season ago, the Winnipeg Jets are now staring at a very different reality. Despite a recent 6-2-2 run that showed flashes of the team that dominated last year’s regular season, the Jets haven’t been able to make up much ground in the Western Conference standings. They currently sit eight points out of a playoff spot, and with the NHL trade deadline looming just over a month away, Winnipeg looks more like a seller than a contender.
One name that’s drawing considerable attention around the league is defenseman Logan Stanley. At 6-foot-7 and carrying a cap hit of just $1.25 million, Stanley offers a rare combination of size, affordability, and upside that playoff-bound teams covet this time of year. And with his contract set to expire, all signs point to Winnipeg moving him before the deadline.
According to league insiders, there haven’t been any meaningful contract talks between Stanley and the Jets. That silence is speaking volumes. The expectation is that Winnipeg is preparing to part ways with the 25-year-old blueliner, who’s quietly putting together what many are calling a breakout season.
This isn’t just about unloading a contract or clearing space. Stanley’s play this year has turned heads.
He’s been more assertive in the defensive zone, showing better positioning and using his size more effectively along the boards. Offensively, he’s not lighting up the scoresheet, but he’s moving the puck with more confidence and making smarter decisions under pressure.
For a team in need of depth on the back end-and especially one looking for a physical presence who won’t break the bank-Stanley checks a lot of boxes.
That cap number is especially important this season. With the NHL’s playoff cap rules shifting, teams are being more strategic than ever with how they build their rosters for a deep run. Even clubs that have managed their cap well and could technically afford a higher-priced piece might still lean toward players like Stanley, who offer value without the financial gymnastics.
The Jets, meanwhile, are in a tough spot. Last year’s regular-season dominance feels like a distant memory, and while the team hasn’t completely fallen apart, the math is working against them. That’s the reality of the Western Conference this season-every point is precious, and even a solid stretch like 6-2-2 isn’t enough to make a serious dent in the standings.
As we inch closer to the deadline, expect Stanley’s name to keep surfacing in trade chatter. He’s the kind of player who could quietly tip the scales for a contender-low cost, high upside, and playoff-ready. And for Winnipeg, moving him now might be the first step in reshaping a roster that suddenly finds itself on the outside looking in.