Jets Gaining Momentum, But Is It Too Late?
The Winnipeg Jets are heating up at just the right time-or maybe just a little too late. After a statement win over the Minnesota Wild, the team took a well-earned day off on Friday. But with puck drop set for 6 PM CST tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Jets are back in action and looking to extend their recent hot streak.
Let’s be clear: this team is rolling. Winnipeg has now strung together four straight wins, and it’s not just the results-it’s the way they’re getting them.
The offense that had been sputtering for weeks finally looks alive. Players who couldn’t buy a goal a few games ago are suddenly lighting the lamp, and the energy on the bench has flipped from frustration to belief.
But the big question still looms: is this surge coming too late to salvage the season?
Logan Stanley: From Depth Piece to Difference Maker
One of the more intriguing storylines around the Jets right now is the emergence of Logan Stanley. The towering defenseman has quietly become one of the league’s more reliable blueliners this season. His physical presence has always been there, but now he’s pairing it with smart decision-making, timely goals, and a calmness under pressure that wasn’t always part of his game.
Stanley’s value has never been higher-and that’s where things get complicated. He’s set to become a UFA, and if the Jets can’t lock him up before then, they’ll have a tough decision to make.
Do you trade him now to avoid losing him for nothing? Or do you double down, offer him the stability he’s earned, and make him part of the long-term core?
There’s no clear answer yet, but Stanley is making a strong case for an extension. He’s not just playing well-he’s playing like someone who knows exactly what’s at stake.
Moose Keep Grinding on the Road
While the big club is fighting for playoff relevance, the Manitoba Moose are quietly handling business of their own. They edged out the Laval Rocket-one of the top teams in the AHL’s North Division-with a gritty 2-1 shootout win last night.
The kids led the way. Thomas Milic was outstanding in net, stopping 34 of 35 shots in regulation and overtime, then two of three in the shootout.
Nikita Chibrikov got things started with a goal, and Brad Lambert sealed it with the shootout winner. That’s the kind of performance that builds confidence and character, especially on the road.
The Moose wrap up their six-game road trip this afternoon with a rematch against Laval at 3 PM CST.
Prospects Showing Promise in the OHL
It’s not just the NHL and AHL squads making noise. Jets prospect Kieron Walton, a 2024 sixth-rounder, is turning heads in the OHL.
He posted a goal and two assists in just his second game with Peterborough and now sits second in the league’s points race. That’s serious production from a late-round pick.
Jacob Cloutier, a 2025 seventh-round selection, also had a strong night for Saginaw, finishing with a goal and an assist. These are the kinds of performances that give an organization hope for the future-especially when the present is still very much in flux.
The Playoff Push: Real or Mirage?
The Jets’ recent surge has fans asking the same question: are they turning a corner, or is this just a late-season tease?
There’s no denying the urgency. Winnipeg has been inconsistent all year, and while this four-game win streak is encouraging, the margin for error is razor-thin.
A couple of bad nights could undo all the progress. And even if they sneak into the postseason, there’s concern that it could be a short-lived trip.
Still, momentum matters. Confidence matters. And right now, the Jets are finally playing like a team that believes in itself.
Tonight’s game against Toronto is another big test. The Leafs bring speed, skill, and star power-exactly the kind of opponent that can expose any lingering weaknesses.
But if Winnipeg can keep this streak alive, the conversation starts to shift from “is it too late?” to “why not us?”
Stay tuned. The Jets may still have something to say before this season is over.