Jets Fans Just Got A Franchise Identity Moment From The NHL

The Winnipeg Jets new unified franchise history sets the stage for player milestones and focused improvements as they gear up for the 2026-27 season.

The Winnipeg Jets’ record book just got a lot cleaner, and a lot bigger.

On Thursday, the NHL announced that the statistical history of the Winnipeg Jets will now include both versions of the franchise, formally merging the 1.0 and 2.0 eras. In Manitoba, that connection has always been treated as obvious. Now it’s official for everyone else, too.

That means Mark Scheifele’s chase of Dale Hawerchuk’s franchise marks will be measured against the full Winnipeg NHL story. Going into the 2026-27 season, Scheifele is after Hawerchuk’s team lead in goals, where the mark sits at 7, and in points, where the number is 22. Scheifele called the news “Extra motivation” as he eyes those Jets all-time records.

The announcement also puts a sharper number on just how long Winnipeg has been part of the NHL picture. The upcoming season will be the 33rd year of Winnipeg Jets NHL hockey, and that count still doesn’t include the seven years of WHA Jets hockey.

While the history lesson was unfolding, the Jets were still in the middle of training camp work on Thursday. A major focus was special teams, with the club trying to get that part of its game back on track. Winnipeg’s drop last season was tied in large part to special teams, with the power play finishing 24th and the penalty kill 21st in the league.

That emphasis carries into tonight, when the Jets finish the pre-season in Colorado against the Avalanche. For all practical purposes, it’s the final day of camp. After the game, the team will remain in Colorado for a few days of team bonding.

Before puck drop, the Jets will skate in Winnipeg this morning at 10 AM CT at hockey for all centre. The game starts at 7:30 PM CT and will be streamed on the Jets site.

It’s also a busy day for the Moose, who face the Iowa Wild in Minnesota this afternoon. Manitoba has not played an exhibition game against an AHL opponent since 2019, making this a notable chance to evaluate players and get ready for the regular season. Puck drop is set for 2 PM CT, and the game will only be available on radio.

With camp nearly finished and the regular season close, the weekend will keep the hockey conversation rolling. The Illegal Curve Hockey Show is set for Saturday at 9 AM CT, with roster battles, Jets franchise history and more on the agenda.

In Other News...

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The latest buzz only adds to the noise around a market that already feels active, especially with other teams dealing with roster uncertainty. Vancouvers Filip Chytil has landed on injured reserve after a preseason shoulder injury, and there is also speculation that Boston has become a leading candidate to land Kirill Marchenko, with other clubs in the mix as well. For Winnipeg fans, the appeal is obvious - any trade conversation involving Hellebuyck carries real significance - but the full shape of where this one goes still isnt clear. [Read more 🡒]

Stuart Skinner Gets A Fresh Chance To Silence Doubts In Winnipeg

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Skinners track record is part of what makes this storyline worth watching. He served as Edmontons starter during two deep playoff runs, including the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, and now he gets a fresh chance in a new setting to quiet the doubts that followed him. For Winnipeg, it is a chance to see whether that experience translates into the kind of steady presence they want in net over the long haul. [Read more 🡒]

Sharks Are Chasing A Huge Goalie Gamble They Cant Afford To Miss

Connor Hellebuycks name has quickly moved to the center of the goalie market, and for good reason. The Winnipeg netminder is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2025 Hart Trophy winner, so any conversation about a move immediately comes with weight, especially with his no-move clause shaping where he can and cannot go. He has been linked to San Jose, which has already been checking out the idea of a deal, and his stance on Canadian clubs has narrowed the path enough to make the West Coast stand out.

For the Sharks, the appeal is obvious: a franchise looking to stabilize its crease would be staring at one of the best goaltenders of this era, plus a contract and cap hit that would demand real planning. The fit would also have to make sense against San Joses roster and salary structure, which is where the gamble gets complicated. Hellebuyck can change the outlook of a team in a hurry, but getting from interest to actual agreement is where this situation starts to get tricky. [Read more 🡒]