3 Reasons Not to Lose Hope About the Winnipeg Jets

As the Winnipeg Jets reach the quarter-mark of the 2025-26 season, it’s tempting for some fans to let their minds wander toward worry. After a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, the Jets sit at 12-9-0, 24th overall in the NHL standings. That sounds grim, but context matters. The league is tightly packed at this point, and Winnipeg is just three points out of a playoff spot and four points shy of a top-10 standing. A rough patch—a 3-6 stretch following a 9-3 start—has clouded the optimism that existed after the early surge. But before we throw in the towel, let’s take a closer look at why hope is far from lost.

Three Reasons Jets’ Fans Should Not Lose Hope

Although the loss of Connor Hellebuyck will be a tough one to overcome, there are three reasons why Winnipeg fans should not lose hope about their team this season.

Reason One: The Jets’ Offence Remains in Capable Hands.

Even if the overall goal totals are modest, the Jets’ top line continues to produce at a high level. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are tied with 11 goals apiece, with Gabriel Vilardi adding another eight. That trio has carried the scoring load night in and night out, replicating much of last season’s success. Dependable top-line scoring gives the rest of the team a chance to fall into place. Goals matter, and this line is doing its part to keep Winnipeg in games.

Reason Two: The Jets’ Special Teams Remain an Asset.

The Jets’ power play is operating at 23.9%, good for seventh in the league, while the penalty kill is at 83.8%, also seventh overall. These numbers aren’t just stats on paper—they show that the team can tilt the ice in its favor and that the underlying systems are solid. Sure, consistency is a work in progress, but the building blocks are there. On nights when the stars align, the Jets can dominate situations that win games.

Reason Three: The Jets Have the Depth and Character to Manage Adversity.

The injury to Connor Hellebuyck is a setback, no doubt, but the Jets have shown resilience in handling absences before. Players on the bubble, young forwards looking for their NHL moment, and veterans willing to step up can offset the loss. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s proof that the team’s structure can withstand temporary hurdles without collapsing.

The Bottom Line for the Jets at This Point in the Season

The bottom line? The Jets may not be at the top of the standings, and the road ahead isn’t without obstacles, but there are reasons for optimism. Reliable top-line scoring, solid special teams, and organizational depth all point to a team capable of righting itself. At this stage, losing faith isn’t helpful. However, observing, supporting, and expecting gradual growth can go a long way. If the Jets can string a few wins together on their upcoming road trip, playoff positioning could look very different by the next quarter mark.