The Winnipeg Jets have ignited a late-season surge in the 2025-26 NHL campaign, pulling within five points of a playoff spot following key victories and roster adjustments. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff made targeted moves at the trade deadline to bolster the team while preserving its core players. Standout performances from Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele have fueled the momentum as the Jets face a critical homestand.
The Winnipeg Jets, after a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, have embarked on a six-game point streak with a 4-0-2 record since returning from the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Recent triumphs over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks have narrowed the gap to the Seattle Kraken, who hold the final Western Conference wild-card position, by just five points.
At the trade deadline, Kevin Cheveldayoff executed strategic swaps with the Buffalo Sabres. He sent defensemen Luke Schenn—with 50% salary retained—and Logan Stanley in exchange for forward Isak Rosén, defenseman Jacob Bryson, and future draft picks. Additionally, forward Tanner Pearson was traded to Buffalo for a seventh-round pick. These transactions aim to retool the roster without disrupting the foundational group, including Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Connor Hellebuyck.
Josh Morrissey made an impactful return to the lineup on March 7 following an injury sustained with Team Canada at the Olympics. In his comeback game against Vancouver, he netted the overtime winner, surpassing Dustin Byfuglien to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen with 417 points.
Mark Scheifele earned NHL First Star of the Week honors after amassing eight points across three games. Meanwhile, veteran Gustav Nyquist, who joined on a one-year deal, scored his first goal as a Jet on March 5 in his 40th appearance of the season.
The Jets now host a pivotal homestand at Canada Life Centre, where strong home performances will be essential to closing the playoff gap.
