The Winnipeg Jets have added three seasoned forwards in the offseason. Jonathan Toews, returning after a year-long break due to health issues, brings leadership and championship pedigree, having won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks.
At 37, he joins his hometown team on a one-year deal. Gustav Nyquist, 35, also signed a one-year contract, aiming to help replace the offensive gap left by Nikolaj Ehlers. Tanner Pearson, 30, comes off a 27-point season with the Golden Knights and is expected to bolster Winnipeg’s middle six, especially with team captain Adam Lowry out until at least November due to hip surgery.
The Jets lost several important forwards during free agency. Nikolaj Ehlers, a consistent offensive contributor with 63 points last season, signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Mason Appleton left for Detroit after a down season, and veteran winger Brandon Tanev joined the newly formed Utah Mammoth. Combined, these losses strip the Jets of both offensive punch and experienced depth, increasing the pressure on newcomers and younger players to step up immediately.
Prospects Poised for NHL Roles as Jets Face Depth and Scoring Uncertainty Ahead
Several prospects are on the verge of breaking into the NHL full-time. Nikita Chibrikov impressed in limited action with the Jets and had a solid AHL season. Brad Lambert, a former first-round pick, is poised to push for a roster spot thanks to his speed and offensive creativity.
Brad Lambert (NHL)Defenseman Elias Salomonsson also turned heads in the AHL and may earn a place on the Jets’ blue line. Their development will be crucial in filling gaps left by departing veterans and ensuring sustained competitiveness.
Winnipeg’s biggest concern remains forward depth and offensive consistency. With Ehlers gone, Lowry recovering, and Toews coming off a long layoff, the team must rely heavily on contributions from its new acquisitions and emerging talent.
Cole Perfetti, coming off a career year, is expected to play an even larger role and may be slotted alongside veterans Nyquist and Toews. The projected top line remains stable, featuring Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi.
Jets Shift Focus to Physical Forwards, Aim to Maintain Offensive Edge and Depth
Head coach Scott Arniel highlighted the team’s shift in focus during free agency, moving from bolstering the defense last year to reinforcing the forward group this offseason. He emphasized the importance of adding players with size, speed, and physicality, traits reflected in the signings of Toews, Pearson, and Nyquist.
The goal is to build a lineup that can compete physically while maintaining offensive firepower, especially in a market where attracting big names in free agency is often a challenge.
Statistically, the Jets were elite in high-danger and long-range goals last season, led by players like Scheifele, Connor, and defensemen Morrissey and Pionk. Perfetti is a breakout fantasy candidate, showing increased production and ice time, and is likely to take on an expanded role on the power play.
Toews, though a wildcard due to his time away, has bounce-back potential. The projected lineup is a mix of youth and veteran talent, with Connor Hellebuyck returning in goal and a solid defensive core rounding out the roster.
