Why the Winnipeg Jets’ Problems Go Deeper Than the Trade Market Can Fix
Right now, the Winnipeg Jets are in a tough spot - and a trade isn’t going to be the magic solution. With Connor Hellebuyck no longer in the picture, the cracks in the Jets’ defensive game are no longer hidden.
Hellebuyck was the kind of goalie who could steal games and cover up a lot of structural issues. Without him, those flaws are front and center.
The team’s defensive identity - once a hallmark of how they played - has slipped. And according to reports, the Jets know it.
After a humbling loss to the Sabres in Buffalo, the players held a closed-door meeting. No coaches.
Just the guys in the room trying to figure it out. That kind of meeting doesn’t guarantee a turnaround, but it does show that the players recognize the urgency.
They’re not waiting for help to arrive. They’re trying to fix it from within.
Because, let’s be honest - there’s no trade that’s going to suddenly patch up a team-wide commitment to defense. This isn’t about plugging a hole on the blue line or bringing in a depth forward.
It’s about re-establishing an identity that’s been lost. The Jets built their recent success on structure and buy-in.
If they want to get back on track, that’s where it starts.
Laurent Brossoit Hits the AHL - And the Trade Radar
Over in Chicago, goaltender Laurent Brossoit is heading out on an AHL conditioning stint. He’s coming off double hip surgery, and while there’s no room for him on the Blackhawks’ NHL roster right now, that doesn’t mean he’s off the radar.
In fact, other teams are already watching closely. Brossoit’s agent, Ray Petkau, has been given the green light to explore trade options, and there’s legitimate interest out there.
If Brossoit looks sharp in his return, he could be one of the more intriguing goalie options available in the near future. For teams looking to shore up their crease depth, especially with injuries mounting across the league, Brossoit could be a low-risk, high-upside play.
Who’s Looking to Make a Move? Keep an Eye on These Teams
As the trade market starts to heat up, a few teams are already circling.
Montreal is right in the thick of it. They’re involved in just about every rumor right now, and not by accident. The Canadiens seem to believe they’re ready to take a step forward, and they’re acting like a team that wants to accelerate that process.
New Jersey is another one to watch. Even with injuries piling up - including to Luke Hughes - the Devils were 13-4-1 before things started to unravel.
That kind of start, despite adversity, tells you they believe in their core. They’re not just looking to survive injuries; they’re looking to add and push.
Carolina and Ottawa are also in the mix. For Ottawa, this feels like a window they’ve been building toward.
Their contract situations suggest it’s go-time, and they’re acting accordingly. Carolina, as always, is a team that’s willing to be aggressive if the fit is right.
And don’t forget about Dallas and Colorado. Both clubs are firmly in contender territory and could be waiting for the right moment to pounce - whether that’s for depth, goaltending insurance, or a playoff-tested piece to round out the roster.
We’re entering that stretch of the season where front offices take a hard look at their rosters and ask the big question: Are we in or are we out? For these teams, the answer seems clear. They’re in - and they’re looking to make moves that prove it.