Why the Winnipeg Jets Could Be Better Than Fans Expect in 2026-27
Sometimes the biggest improvements a team makes are not the ones that get the most attention. The Winnipeg Jets did not have a summer of flashy headlines. They didn’t completely remake their roster or chase the biggest names available. Instead, they looked at where they were vulnerable and quietly fixed some of the areas that caused problems. That might be exactly what they needed.
The biggest reason for optimism is the Jets’ blue line.
For the past few seasons, the Jets have had a reliable top four on defence. When everyone was healthy, they could match up with almost anyone. The problem was what happened when injuries hit. The depth behind those top players simply wasn’t good enough, and that became a problem during the long grind of an NHL season.
Adding Mario Ferraro helps change that. Ferraro is not coming to Winnipeg to be the top defenceman. His value is that he gives the Jets a dependable, experienced option who can handle real NHL minutes. Those are the kinds of additions that might not create excitement in July but become very important when teams are fighting for playoff position in March and April.
The emergence of Elias Salomonsson adds even more reason for optimism. Young defencemen don’t always develop on a perfect timeline, but if Salomonsson takes another step, Winnipeg could suddenly have much better depth than it did a year ago.
Related: What the Jets Are Getting in D-Man Henry Thrun.
And then there is the Jets’ goaltending question.
Connor Hellebuyck remains the biggest piece of the puzzle. When he is playing at his best, he gives the Jets a chance to compete with anyone in the league. But even the best goalies need help. They need rest. They need a backup who can step in without the team feeling as if everything has changed.
That is where Stuart Skinner becomes an interesting addition. Skinner has experienced the highs and lows of being an NHL starter, and he brings something Winnipeg has needed: a backup who can handle NHL pressure. Having confidence in the second goalie allows a team to manage the regular season differently. It means Hellebuyck does not have to carry the entire workload.
The Jets are not perfect, but they should be better.
The Jets still need their players to stay healthy, and their best players to lead the way. But this is a team that already knows how to win. The question was never whether Winnipeg had enough talent. It was whether they had enough support around that talent.
This offseason, they may have quietly improved the areas that matter most. And sometimes those are the moves that make the biggest difference.