Winnipeg Jets Prepare for 2025-26 NHL Season
As the Winnipeg Jets gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, the spotlight is firmly on the team’s forward depth, especially following the departures of key players Nikolaj Ehlers and Mason Appleton. To address these roster changes, General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has made significant adjustments, including the acquisition of Jonathan Toews as a second-line center. This move pushes Vladislav Namestnikov down to the third line, where he is expected to thrive more effectively.
Roster Changes and New Acquisitions
The Jets have also secured Gustav Nyquist from Nashville to help fill Ehlers’ shoes. Nyquist boasts a career year of 75 points, which he achieved in the 2023-24 season, making him a viable candidate to enhance the Jets’ scoring potential. However, last year’s stats revealed a different story for the 35-year-old winger, as he struggled with a career-low 28 points over 79 games. As he ages, it’s possible his production may continue to decline, prompting the Jets to consider additional options to ensure their competitiveness.
Prospects and Competition for Ice Time
With the potential for shifts in the lineup, rumors abound concerning the integration of high-profile prospects Nikita Chibrikov and Brad Lambert. These young players could provide much-needed support in the star-studded forward core. Lambert, drafted in 2022, experienced a tough season with the Manitoba Moose, notching only 35 points in 61 games. Yet, he redeemed himself in the subsequent season, tallying 55 points in 64 outings, including five games with the Jets.
Chibrikov, a 2021 second-round pick, also enters the competition with a solid AHL performance, boasting a slightly lower point-per-game average of 0.65. His experience in NHL competition, with three goals and an assist in just five games, presents a strong case for his promotion. The race for the fourth line right wing position is heating up, with both Lambert and Chibrikov pushing for significant ice time. Newcomer Cole Koepke from the Bruins will also be vying for this spot, heightening the competition.
Impact of Nyquist’s Performance
The dynamic of the Jets roster is further influenced by the performance of Nyquist. If he continues to falter, it could lead to his reassignment to the third line, opening opportunities for either Lambert or Chibrikov to play alongside noteworthy talents such as Toews and Cole Perfetti.
Upcoming Season Schedule
In addition to these roster considerations, the Jets recently released their schedule for the 2025-26 season, emphasizing a thrilling opener against the Dallas Stars on October 9th, a rematch from the postseason. As training camp approaches, the development of these promising prospects will be crucial in shaping the Jets’ path toward another successful season, positioning them as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Whether Chibrikov or Lambert will emerge as replacements for Ehlers remains to be seen, but the Jets’ management is evidently keen on exploring all avenues to ensure their offensive strength.
