The Winnipeg Jets find themselves at a crossroads after a lackluster 2025-26 season. Just a year after taking home the Presidents’ Trophy, the Jets have slipped, finding themselves on the playoff bubble and grappling with inconsistency in crucial areas.
With a 29-29-12 record, the Jets are on the outside looking in at the Western Conference playoff picture. It’s evident that changes are on the horizon. The current roster, especially the bottom six forwards, hasn’t delivered the depth scoring or defensive stability necessary to thrive in the competitive Central Division.
General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is now tasked with retooling the team. The Jets still boast a solid core, but they need to reshape their supporting cast, clear cap space, and address weaknesses in defense and backup goaltending.
Let’s dive into three players who could be on the move this offseason.
Brad Lambert: A Trade Chip With Upside
Brad Lambert is one of the more intriguing assets within the Jets’ organization. As a 2022 first-round pick, he’s shown glimpses of high-end skill and offensive creativity, though he hasn’t yet become a consistent NHL contributor.
Earlier this season, the Jets allowed Lambert to explore trade opportunities, signaling that both sides might be open to a fresh start. Trading a young player with potential is never easy, but it could be a strategic move that benefits both parties.
Lambert holds value across the league due to his draft pedigree and offensive potential. Teams looking for a young forward with top-six potential might find him appealing. For Winnipeg, this could mean acquiring another young player who fits better with their immediate needs.
This type of “hockey trade” could help the Jets balance their prospect pool while filling lineup gaps, whether that’s a defensively-minded forward, a depth center, or a young defenseman. Trading Lambert isn’t about giving up on his potential; it’s about maximizing it in a way that aligns with the Jets’ competitive timeline.
Nino Niederreiter: Veteran Depth With Trade Appeal
Nino Niederreiter offers a different trade scenario. The 33-year-old winger has been a steady middle-six presence, providing size, experience, and a knack for scoring around the net.
However, as Winnipeg aims to inject youth and speed into its bottom six, Niederreiter might become expendable.
Entering the final year of his contract in 2026-27, he’s an attractive option for contenders seeking veteran depth. His physical play and playoff experience could draw interest from teams looking to strengthen their bottom six for a postseason push.
For the Jets, trading Niederreiter is more about asset management than hockey fit. It could bring back draft picks or a cheaper depth player, while also freeing up cap space to address more urgent needs.
Winnipeg’s bottom six has lacked identity this season. Moving a veteran like Niederreiter could pave the way for a more defined role structure, allowing younger players or new acquisitions to bring energy, speed, and defensive reliability.
This isn’t about poor performance, but rather a shift in direction. If the Jets are serious about retooling, this is a logical move.
Vladislav Namestnikov: A Cap Casualty Candidate
Vladislav Namestnikov stands out as a straightforward trade candidate for Winnipeg.
As a versatile forward capable of playing both center and wing, he’s provided value. However, with a $3 million cap hit and limited offensive output this season, he becomes a logical option for cap relief.
Namestnikov’s role has largely been in the bottom six, where the Jets are eyeing significant changes. Moving his contract would give Winnipeg financial flexibility to pursue upgrades, whether that’s a more reliable third-line center, defensive improvements, or bolstering their goaltending depth behind Connor Hellebuyck.
Despite a dip in production, Namestnikov remains a dependable, defensively responsible forward. Teams in need of depth or injury insurance might see him as a low-risk addition, especially if the Jets retain part of his salary to facilitate a deal.
For Winnipeg, this is a classic cap-clearing move. It’s less about the return and more about creating room to reshape the roster effectively.
A Necessary Reset for a Bounce-Back Season
The Jets don’t need to tear everything down. Their core is strong, and with the right adjustments, they can quickly return to playoff contention. Standing pat isn’t an option anymore.
This offseason is a chance to reshape the bottom six, enhance defensive depth, and solidify the backup goaltending position-areas that contributed to their underwhelming season.
Trading players like Lambert, Niederreiter, and Namestnikov would represent three different strategies: a value-based hockey trade, a veteran asset flip, and a cap-clearing move. Together, these moves would give the Jets the flexibility needed to retool effectively.
If executed well, these changes could set Winnipeg up for a bounce-back season in 2026-27, bringing them back to contender status.