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The Winnipeg Jets were sellers at the 2026 NHL trade deadline. As expected, Winnipeg dealt some of their pending UFAs while some pending free agents did not get moved. It was also a foregone conclusion that although he was a pending free agent, Jonathon Toews was not going to be moved. In his post trade deadline media session, Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed that Toews was never asked to waive his no trade clause.
Jets swing for the future
Late Thursday night, this trade took place;
To Sabres: Logan Stanley (LD), Luke Schenn (RD)
To Jets: Isak Rosen (RW), Jacob Bryson (LD), 2026 4th round pick, 2027 2nd round pick
This trade has the potential to be a homerun for the Jets. Bryson is a small defenceman that is an unrestricted free agent at seasons end. The draft picks help replenish a depleted draft pick cupboard. The highlight of this deal is Isak Rosen. Rosen was the Buffalo Sabres 14th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Unlike any of the Jets current top forward prospects who are not producing at the AHL level, Rosen had been lighting it up. In 37 games played with the Rochester Americans this season, Rosen had a whopping 25 goals and 18 assists. He has the potential to be a fixture in the Jets top 6 group for years to come. He is a restricted free agent at seasons end, meaning that the Jets will still hold his rights. A special shout out to Colton Parayko who by vetoing his trade to the Sabres, allowed this trade to come to fruition.
Buzzer beater
The Jets and Sabres got together for another minor transaction before the official deadline;
To Sabres: Tanner Pearson (F)
To Jets: 7th round pick
I expected the Jets to receive a mid-round pick for Pearson. Instead, they barely received a late round pick. I guess I valued him more than rival GM’s.
Final thought
Overall, it was a good trade deadline for the Jets and GM Cheveldayoff. They were able to restock their draft cupboard and also landed a prospect that has the potential to be a significant contributor to the line-up immediately and for years to come.
