The Winnipeg Jets are heading into a tough stretch - and it’s not just about the schedule. With a three-game road trip through the Eastern Conference looming, the team finds itself at a crossroads.
After a brutal 11-game skid earlier this month and a humbling 5-1 loss at home to Detroit on January 24, the Jets are in a freefall. They're sitting seventh in the Central Division with a 20-24-7 record - technically still in the playoff hunt, but realistically needing something close to a miracle to stay in the race.
Let’s break down the key storylines as the Jets hit the road and the calendar inches closer to the March 6 trade deadline.
Playoff Picture Slipping Away - Is It Time to Sell?
There’s no sugarcoating it: the Jets are in trouble. That 11-game losing streak didn’t just knock the wind out of their season - it’s shifted the entire conversation around the franchise.
Instead of talking playoff seeding, the focus has turned to the future. Specifically, whether Winnipeg should embrace the role of a seller at the deadline.
With the standings looking bleak and injuries piling up, the front office has some tough decisions to make. Do they hold out hope for a late-season surge, or start looking at what assets could be moved to build for next year and beyond? That’s the question hanging over this team right now.
Scheifele’s Snub Fuels His Fire
One player who’s not going quietly is Mark Scheifele. Left off Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster - while teammates Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck got the nod - Scheifele has been playing like a man on a mission. He’s visibly fired up, leading the Jets’ offense and stringing together multi-point performances in an effort to prove the doubters wrong.
This is a classic case of a veteran player turning a slight into motivation. Scheifele’s been a leader on the ice, and even as the team struggles, his play has been a bright spot. If Winnipeg does decide to sell, you can bet Scheifele will be a centerpiece of any conversation - whether as a player to build around or as a high-value piece other teams would love to pry away.
Toews’ Return: A Silver Lining in a Rough Season
Jonathan Toews’ return to the NHL has been one of the more heartwarming stories of the season. After stepping away from the game due to health concerns, the 37-year-old signed with his hometown Jets and has quietly become a stabilizing force in the lineup. He’s found a bit of scoring touch lately, stringing together a goal streak and bringing veteran leadership to a team that badly needs it.
His return to Chicago earlier this season was a moment to remember. Jets fans may not have had much to cheer for in that 2-0 loss, but Blackhawks fans gave Toews the ovation he deserved - chanting “Jonny, Jonny” during the first break. It was a reminder of just how respected he is across the league, and how meaningful his comeback has been.
Injuries on the Blue Line Complicate Things
If the Jets’ situation wasn’t already challenging enough, the blue line has taken a major hit. Neal Pionk is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue, Haydn Fleury is out with an upper-body injury, and Colin Miller is sidelined week-to-week after undergoing knee surgery. That’s three regulars out - and it’s forced Winnipeg to shuffle the deck defensively.
Young players like Elias Salomonsson are being asked to step into big roles, logging top-four minutes and learning on the fly. It’s a tough ask, especially when the team is already struggling to keep pucks out of the net. Depth is being tested, and so far, the results haven’t been pretty.
Upcoming Road Trip - A Test of Character
Here’s what’s ahead for the Jets:
- Tue, Jan. 27 @ New Jersey Devils - 7:00 PM ET (Prudential Center)
- Thu, Jan. 29 @ Tampa Bay Lightning - 7:00 PM ET (Benchmark International Arena)
- Sat, Jan. 31 @ Florida Panthers - 4:00 PM ET (Amerant Bank Arena)
This road trip won’t be easy. The Devils, Lightning, and Panthers all bring speed, skill, and playoff aspirations of their own. For Winnipeg, it’s not just about points - it’s about showing some fight, some pride, and maybe, just maybe, sparking something before the season slips away completely.
The Jets are at a tipping point. Whether they claw their way back into relevance or start preparing for what’s next, this week could go a long way in shaping the direction of the franchise.