Winnipeg Jets at the Crossroads: Trade Deadline Forces Tough Calls for Chevy
While fans tune in to Olympic curling, skiing, and women’s hockey from Milan this weekend, Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has his own competition to focus on - the NHL trade market. After a humbling blowout loss at Canada Life Centre, the writing’s on the wall: this version of the Jets isn’t built for a deep playoff run.
Despite featuring many of the same names from last year’s Presidents’ Trophy-winning roster, the chemistry just hasn’t clicked. With the team slipping out of contention, Cheveldayoff is under pressure to reshape the roster - and fast.
The Easy Call: Luke Schenn
Let’s start with the most straightforward decision on Chevy’s desk. Luke Schenn, the veteran right-shot defenseman, is on an expiring deal with a $2.75 million cap hit.
He’s long been valued for his physical presence and leadership, but this season, his defensive play has been a step behind. At 34, Schenn isn’t the shutdown force he once was, and with Winnipeg needing to look forward, this is a move that just makes sense.
Schenn still holds value for playoff-bound teams looking to beef up their third pairing with experience and grit. His name sits high on most trade boards for a reason - he’s the kind of player that can round out a contender’s depth chart.
For Winnipeg, the goal should be simple: flip him for a mid-round pick or a prospect with upside. No need to overthink this one.
The Tougher Sell: Logan Stanley
Now here’s where things get complicated. Logan Stanley has been part of the Jets’ system for years, and after seasons of development, he’s finally showing signs of becoming the player Winnipeg hoped he’d be. He’s a towering presence on the blue line and has chipped in offensively with 9 goals - not bad for a third-pair defenseman.
But that’s exactly the point: Stanley is still a third-pair guy. His current deal is a bargain at $775,000, but he’s due for a raise, and the Jets have to ask themselves if they’re the team that should be paying it.
Stanley’s trade value is peaking, and that’s when smart front offices strike. If Winnipeg wants to retool on the fly, moving Stanley for a quality return could be a key step.
It won’t be a popular move among fans who’ve watched him grow, but sentiment can’t drive decisions at the deadline. Not when the team’s playoff window is closing fast.
Gus Nyquist: Speed Without Finish
Gus Nyquist was brought in to add pace and veteran savvy to the forward group. He’s brought the speed - no question - but the production just hasn’t followed. We’re deep into the season, and he still hasn’t found the back of the net.
Head coach Scott Arniel has tried everything to get Nyquist going: top line, bottom line, power play. Nothing has stuck. At $3.25 million, Nyquist’s contract isn’t exactly a bargain, and with unrestricted free agency looming, Winnipeg’s best move is to see what they can get - even if it’s just a late-round pick or a conditional asset.
There may not be a bidding war for Nyquist, but any return is better than letting him walk for nothing in July.
The Heartbreaker: Jonathan Toews
Then there’s the emotional one. Jonathan Toews - Winnipeg’s own, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and a future Hall of Famer - returned home this season with hopes of helping the Jets take the next step.
The idea was that his championship pedigree and leadership could lift this group past the second round. And for a stretch after the holidays, it looked like he might just do it, stringing together a four-game goal streak and showing flashes of vintage Toews.
But the grind of the season has caught up. He’s looked a step slow at times, including a tough night in Dallas where he drew two hooking calls trying to keep up with quicker skaters. The effort is still there, but the legs just aren’t what they used to be.
There’s been talk of a possible extension, but Cheveldayoff has to weigh that carefully. Is there a market for Toews at the deadline?
Maybe. But it’s likely limited.
If no deal materializes, bringing him back on a short-term deal isn’t out of the question - as long as expectations are adjusted. He’s no longer a top-six center, but in a defined bottom-six role, he could still bring value, especially in the locker room.
What Comes Next?
The Jets aren’t blowing it all up - not yet. But they’re not standing pat either.
This deadline is about smart asset management, and that starts with knowing when to let go. Schenn, Stanley, Nyquist, Toews - each decision carries weight, but the direction is clear.
Winnipeg needs to pivot, not panic.
Cheveldayoff has been quiet so far, but the phones are ringing. And with the clock ticking toward the trade deadline, the Jets’ next moves could set the tone not just for the rest of this season - but for the seasons to come.
Stay locked in. The reshaping of the Jets is underway.