How the Winnipeg Jets became a mushy-middle team — and 4 ways to break free The Jets can't afford another season like 2025-26. Here are four possible routes toward a more effective future.

How the Winnipeg Jets became a mushy-middle team — and four ways to break free

www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

On the consequences of inaction — and how a lack of choice is a choice, no matter how difficult the decision ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

"I would not expect any one of these players to have come into our exit meetings, come to the exit interviews that they had with all of you, and say, 'You know what, it's okay. It's alright.'"

"It doesn't take someone to say it in the public. Each and every day my job over the course of whether it's a day or a week or a month or as you draft, as you try to find, as you try to trade, is to try to find a way to fill the pieces, fill the gaps, keep building towards something."

Kevin Cheveldayoff on Connor Hellebuyck (thread):

"You don't become an elite player in this league unless you have that kind of emotion, that kind of fire, that kind of drive. But as far as putting the organization on notice, that's something that happens each and every day."

Winnipeg Jets Stanley Cup contender checklist: So far to go, unclear how to get there Where are the Jets having success? Where do they need the most help? And how are they supposed to fill their roster holes?

This is a topic I've written about at length.

I actually believe in Hellebuyck, Morrissey, Scheifele, and Connor to deliver if they have an "outer band" of players who are star-quality drivers, too.

But I think that's exactly what WPG is missing ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

"Provided that they buy in and can fit into that structure that we need to be successful."

"It's a team sport and I think our core, as strong as it is with the main guys, I do think there's an outer band of players within that room that can still compete for a championship."

"The ELC guys, we were blessed to have a couple of those young players. (But) because we've had picks below No. 10..."

"I believe there's an ability to surround (the core) with some of these young guys that are coming, provided they buy into the things they need to do."

(continued)

"Every core is different. I think the 17-18 core was strong in its own right, but I do think there's an expanded core here that encompasses a few more people. I think the core and the guys on the fringe of the core are maybe more impactful."

(continued)

I asked Kevin Cheveldayoff about the lack of a "next wave" of top talent after the #NHLJets 30+ core players.

With so many picks sent away and no next wave of elite youth on ELC's, is this window simply untenable? Is the No. 7 pick (lottery pending) too far away to help?

🧵⤵️:

Kevin Cheveldayoff was asked if Scott Arniel will be back as coach.

The GM didn't say yes or no. He spoke to "evaluation", the need to have exit interviews with his coaching staff, etc. Said his staff works extremely hard.

Said he won't make a proclamation, will keep evaluating

There is a lot to unpack, but I'm left with the impression that Winnipeg will approach the same problems with the same processes.

Cheveldayoff said the Jets have changed. That they do play youth — Isak Rosén — but this, after a season of Schenn > Salomonsson is just off.

I'm trying to reflect on the themes of Kevin Cheveldayoff's press conference.

He talked about opportunity cost of trading picks + playing veteran depth over youth, about his belief in his core, and belief that Winnipeg can win a championship despite the lack of obvious next wave

The Winnipeg Jets must pick a lane: Proactively retool or be forced to reactively rebuild Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Jets must pick a lane or have a lane chosen for them by the impact of their own inaction.

The Winnipeg Jets must proactively retool — or be forced to reactively rebuild.

My column on the task at hand for Kevin Cheveldayoff and the consequences of inaction ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Nikita Chibrikov is banged up and will have another evaluation in "the next day or two."

Elias Salomonsson is skating today. Next testing re: concussion protocol is Wednesday.

Gabriel Vilardi going to the World Championships.

Arniel says he didn't know what he had in Cole Koepke early in the season but loved Koepke's speed and PK work at season's end.

"I was all-in (on signing him.) He's a good kid and he wants to be here."

"Could I? Should I? Maybe. That's part of what I'll look at and then (the split) might happen next year. I really, really hope it doesn't, but I don't know."

Arniel felt he had one line going and didn't want to break it up to address others. He doesn't imagine it'd have been a long term solution.

Scott Arniel on whether playing Connor + Scheifele together, even during lengthy losing streaks, was a regret. Could they not drive their own lines?

"I'm a firm believer... It works in twos. There's pairs that work."

"These guys have been elite, elite in this league."

Continued...

Arniel says his first questions to the players in exit interviews led to great discussion with his players:

-How was I different?
-How can I help you this year?
-If you have something for me, what would you say?

He declined to share any of the insight he was given.

Arniel on handling lengthy losing streaks, re: his own growth:

"If you're just trying to rip them every night, it's not going to... The response isn't going to be there. If you're going to be lovey-dovey all of the time when things aren't going great, that's not going to work."

Arniel on some key topics.

Connor Hellebuyck: Arniel is not worried about losing Connor Hellebuyck.

"I just saw the fire that's in him to win."

Says Hellebuyck's view of the game is unique, good, and should be heard. "You have to respect it ... You can't be stubborn about it."

Scott Arniel opened his exit media interview with statements on his disappointment this year.

"This is not where we want to be."

"I'm taking some responsibility for a lot of what went on this year."

"I have four and a half months to get ready."

His meeting with mgmt upcoming.

Gabriel Vilardi will play for Team Canada at Worlds

Nikita Chibrikov is banged up, will have a medical coming up.

Elias Salomonsson is skating today. Next testing is Wednesday

I've seen that move advocated for and I understand the reasoning. Me, without seeing the return... It's hard to get on board. Their best route to top talent (that stays) is through the draft, IMO.

The Winnipeg Jets must pick a lane: Proactively retool or be forced to reactively rebuild Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Jets must pick a lane or have a lane chosen for them by the impact of their own inaction.

The Winnipeg Jets must proactively retool — or be forced to reactively rebuild.

My column on the task at hand for Kevin Cheveldayoff and the consequences of inaction ⤵️

www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Not sure if there's been an easier NHL team to playoff bandwagon in my time as a hockey fan than this year's Sabres club. If you have no fan stake in this postseason, how can you not root for them?

Legitimate

Scott Arniel and Kevin Cheveldayoff will speak to media at Canada Life Centre tomorrow morning.

Arniel first up at 10:30, then Cheveldayoff at 11:30.

Winnipeg Jets need to improve their roster for 2026-27. Who’s staying? Who’s likely to go? With the Jets' 2025-26 over, we examine the likely status of Winnipeg players for next season.

Which #NHLJets will be part of Winnipeg's future? Which won't?

(And why should it be concerning that so many comments look at these projections, fear WPG "running it back", and can't find precedents for the Jets to avoid such a thing?)

www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...