Jets at the Crossroads: Why Winnipeg Should Embrace the Seller Role Ahead of the Deadline
Let’s not sugarcoat it - the Winnipeg Jets aren’t winning the Stanley Cup this year. That ship has sailed. And while the recent uptick in form is a welcome sight after a brutal stretch, the math - and the standings - aren’t doing them any favors.
After slogging through an 11-game losing streak, the longest since the franchise relocated to Winnipeg, the Jets have managed to right the ship somewhat, banking 12 of a possible 16 points over their last eight games. That’s a solid response.
But in today’s NHL, where three-point games are the norm, making up ground is a grind. Despite their 5-1-2 run, they’ve only managed to close the gap to the second Western Conference wild-card spot by four points.
They’re still six points out with 32 games to play. And here’s the kicker: they’d need to leapfrog five teams just to get in.
Last season, the final wild-card team in the West finished with 96 points. For the Jets to hit that mark, they’d need to snag 49 of the remaining 64 points on the table.
That’s a .766 pace the rest of the way. In other words, they’d need to play like one of the best teams in hockey from here on out - and nothing we’ve seen this season suggests that’s in the cards.
Even if they did pull off a miracle run, the reward would likely be a first-round date with the Colorado Avalanche. That’s not exactly a soft landing. So, where does that leave Winnipeg?
Time to Sell - And Set the Table for 2026-27
With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, the Jets are in prime position to become sellers - and smart ones at that. This isn’t about waving the white flag. It’s about being realistic and using the rest of this season to pivot toward a brighter future.
It won’t be easy for a proud franchise to admit things have gone sideways so quickly. This is the same team that hoisted the Presidents’ Trophy last season after a franchise-best 56 wins.
But the regression has been steep. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s offseason gamble on aging veterans hasn’t paid off.
The roster is older, slower, and too often outworked.
Still, there’s a path forward - and it starts with maximizing value at the deadline.
UFAs on the Move? It Just Makes Sense
Let’s start with the obvious: anyone on an expiring contract should be on the block. That includes Eric Comrie, Cole Koepke, Colin Miller, Gustav Nyquist, Tanner Pearson, Luke Schenn, and Jonathan Toews.
No, none of these names will bring back a haul, and in some cases - particularly Nyquist and Schenn - the market may be thin. But even late-round picks can turn into useful assets down the line.
Every bit of draft capital helps when you're trying to retool on the fly.
Bigger Names, Bigger Returns
Beyond the expiring deals, there are a few names that could actually move the needle in trade talks.
Vladislav Namestnikov and Nino Niederreiter both have another year left on their deals after this season, and while they haven’t lit the world on fire, they offer playoff-tested depth - something contenders always covet. If the Jets are willing to retain a bit of salary, they could fetch mid-round picks or a prospect with upside.
Then there’s Logan Stanley. The big blueliner has quietly put together the best season of his career, already surpassing his goal total from his first five years combined. With eight goals on the year and improved play in his own end, Stanley’s stock is rising - and that’s exactly when you want to sell high.
Perhaps the most intriguing trade chip is Cole Perfetti. The 2020 first-round pick has shown flashes of top-six talent, but this season’s been a struggle.
Just 15 points in 36 games after a 50-point campaign last year has raised questions about his fit and development. Still, Perfetti’s age and pedigree will make teams take notice.
If the Jets are truly open to listening, he could bring back a meaningful return - maybe even a young NHL-ready player or a high draft pick.
Opening the Door for the Next Wave
Moving these veterans wouldn’t just be about collecting picks and prospects. It would also create opportunities for young players in the system - particularly those down with the Manitoba Moose - to get a taste of the NHL. Let them take their lumps now, gain some experience, and be better positioned to contribute when the Jets are ready to compete again.
And let’s not ignore the draft implications. A few more losses down the stretch wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
In fact, landing a top-five pick in the 2026 NHL Draft could be the fastest way to accelerate this retool. That’s not tanking - that’s strategic planning.
The Bottom Line
The Jets aren’t where they hoped to be this season. But that doesn’t mean the year has to be a total loss. By leaning into the seller role and making smart, forward-looking moves, Winnipeg can lay the groundwork for a return to relevance - and maybe even contention - in 2026-27.
It’s time to stop chasing a playoff spot that’s slipping further away by the day and start building for what’s next. The trade deadline is coming.
The Jets have the pieces. Now it’s up to Cheveldayoff and company to make the most of them.