The Winnipeg Jets lost within the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They’d the NHL MVP — Connor Hellebuyck — manning the crease. Stars resembling Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor provided needed offensive punch. And their defense was led by the likes of Josh Morrissey and Dylan Samberg. This team legitimately had a probability to win all of it.
Unfortunately, the Jets lost to the Dallas Stars in six games. The offseason was not kind to Winnipeg, either. Ehlers joined the Carolina Hurricanes this summer in NHL Free Agency. The Jets added Gustav Nyquist to the roster. But they were unable to seek out a player who could replace Ehlers’ impact at even strength.
Overall, the Jets have the pieces to stay competitive. Hellebuyck is the most effective goaltender within the league, and it isn’t close. Connor is a star level player, and he has teammates who can support him. Samberg is one of the underrated blueliners within the league. And Morrissey could turn out to be a Norris Trophy candidate in brief order.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to shake the sensation that it could come crashing down for Winnipeg this season. It’s an final result many don’t desire to see. But when it does, they’ve the power to retool their roster. Let’s take a take a look at two way-too-early trade candidates for the Jets with the 2025-26 season rapidly approaching.
Kyle Connor could shake up trade market
As mentioned, Kyle Connor is a star for the Winnipeg Jets. He led all Winnipeg skaters this season with 41 goals and 97 points. That is his second 90+ point season, with the opposite coming in 2021-22. Connor also achieved his fourth straight 30+ goal season, and his seventh such season during the last eight campaigns.
Connor is an elite, top-level talent. It’s hard enough for the Jets to lose Ehlers this summer. Losing him and Connor in back-to-back offseasons can be an absolute gut punch. And yet, it’s entirely possible each skaters aren’t wearing Winnipeg sweaters this time next season.
The Jets star is a free agent at the tip of this season. If Winnipeg falls behind, they almost must entertain trade offers. Connor would likely be essentially the most in-demand player available on the market. The one way that does not pan out is that if the Edmonton Oilers stunningly test the marketplace for Connor McDavid, which has a near-zero percent probability of happening.
Winnipeg could actually still re-sign Connor to a brand new deal. Nevertheless, as the times pass with no contract, the possiblility they explore the trade market continues to grow.
Jets’ Nino Niederreiter is a reliable veteran
The Jets have sought to resolve their need for a second-line center during the last couple seasons. As they’ve conducted this search, Nino Niederreiter has filled in on the second line. He’s a natural winger, but Niederreiter has made the switch to center work for him.
The veteran forward has played well for the Jets since joining via trade in 2023. Within the last two years, he has scored 35 goals and 71 points in 159 games. These aren’t superstar numbers by any means. Nevertheless, he brings necessary secondary offense while playing at a level that enables him to occupy a second-line role if need be.
Niederreiter is reliable throughout the ice, and he’s signed for an additional season after 2025-26. If the Jets fall behind, teams could call on the veteran winger. And it will make sense for the Jets to see what other teams can be willing to supply.