Now that the Winnipeg Jets exit interviews are done and the lockers are cleaned out, the off-season is officially underway. Jets general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff is in for a busy summer. The GM faces some big decisions.
The fiirst order of business is to determine between now and July 1 which unrestricted free agents (UFAs) will be re-signed. Additionally, the Jets just announced that captain Adam Lowry will undergo hip surgery and be out for five to six months. He will most likely miss the start of the 2025-2026 season. Lowry’s absence makes the Jets already thin center depth even thinner.
Let’s take a look at the Jets notable UFAs. Subsequently, we’ll focus on restricted free agents (RFAs) and contracted players who are eligible for extensions.
Decision 1: Re-sign Nikolaj Ehlers?
The biggest unrestricted free agent is without a doubt Nikolaj Ehlers. He was drafted 9th overall by the Jets in the 2014 draft and has played 10 seasons with the club. Quite frankly, I think he’s good as gone. If there was an extension that could’ve been reached, I think it would have been done by now.
Having said that, although many fans will be disappointed to see him go, I think the Jets will be just fine letting him walk. All the salary cap money that would be required to keep him can now be allocated elsewhere. Ehlers departure will allow Cole Perfetti to play on his natural left-wing position on that 2nd line and will also allow one of Brad Lambert or Nikita Chibrikov to slot into that same line.
Decision 2: Re-Sign Mason Appleton?
Another player that was drafted and developed by the Jets, Mason Appleton is one I think the Jets should not bring back. Although Appleton played a role on that dominant 3rd line of the Jets with Lowry and Nino Niederreiter, he only scored 10 goals and added 22 total points for the season. His lack of finishing was on full display in Game 6 against the Stars. Appleton missed a wide-open net, which would’ve given the Jets the lead late in the game.
With Alex Iafallo re- signing for three more years, I think he will take Appleton’s spot on that 3 rd line with Lowry and Niederreiter once Lowry’s back in the line-up.
Decision 3 (D3): Re-sign Hadyn Fleury?
Fleury is one UFA who I think should be re-signed by the Jets and slotted to play in that bottom pairing left side spot. Fleury outplayed Logan Stanley in the playoffs. Additionally, Fleury mentioned in his end of season media availability that he would like to stay. Hopefully both sides can come to an agreement.
Once the UFAs have been addressed, the Jets’ next order of business is to take care of the notable RFAs.
D4: Arbitration or Offer sheet for Gabriel Vilardi?
Vilardi was a fixture all year on the Jets top-line alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. The Jets top line was the highest scoring line in the regular season. Being only 25 years, Vilardi’ s best may still be yet to come.
The Vilardi camp has two options at their disposal: 1) file for arbitration, or 2) roll the dice in restricted free agency and use a potential offer sheet as leverage. While some teams (Philadelphia for one) are rumored to be weighing an offer sheet for Vilardi, I don’t think it will reach that make-or-break level for the Jets to keep the player’s services.
Rather, I fully expect an arbitration filing. Thereafter, the Jets will try and lock up Vilardi to a long-term deal before they get to any arbitration hearing.
D5: Short-term or long-term for Dylan Samberg?
Samberg was probably the most improved Jets player this past season. He asserted himself into a top-four blueline role alongside Neal Pionk. With Pionk now signed long-term, the Jets must decide whether to do the same with Samberg.
I expect that Samberg will also ink some kind of extension this off-season. Time will tell if it will be a short-term or long-term deal. Most Jets fans hope for the latter. Get the issue out of the way rather than have it linger.
D6: Extend Morgan Barron before September?
In this year’s playoffs, Barron established himself as the Jets` fourth-line center for the foreseeable future. He won more than 50% of his face-offs. Defensively, held his own against tough match-ups. I expect he will be extended by the Jets sooner rather than later.
D7: Bank on good health for Rasmus Kupari?
Kupari is another RFA I think the Jets will have little trouble extending. The sample size is still small for Kupari. He needs to put together an injury free campaign. His speed and right-handed shot can make him a key contributor in the Jets bottom six group.
Before the puck drops on the 2025-2026 season, a couple of key contracted Jets players are also eligible to sign extensions with the club.
D8: Extend Kyle Connor at any cost?
Connor was the Jets leading goal scorer this season with 41 goals. He also had a career high 97 points, which also led the team. Judging by his end of season media availability comments, I expect Connor to sign a long-term extension with the Jets much like Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck did a few seasons ago before the regular season gets underway in October.
D9: Extend Adam Lowry despite the injury?
The captain of the Winnipeg Jets has made it clear on many occasions that he wants to spend his entire career with the Jets organization. With his on-ice leadership and off ice community service, I expect the Jets to be more than accommodating for their captain and an extension will be reached before training camp.
