The Manitoba Moose are gearing up for the 2025-26 American Hockey League (AHL) season, with several promising players to keep an eye on. After a disappointing 2024-25 season, where they finished last in their division and conference, the Moose are looking to rebound with a mix of returning players, new signings, and Winnipeg Jets prospects. Here are five players who could make a significant impact for the Moose in the upcoming season:

1. Colby Barlow: The left winger experienced a bit of a disservice last season due to the NHL/CHL agreement. This agreement restricts players in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, or Western Hockey League (WHL) from playing minor-league hockey unless they turn 20 years old by December 31 of that season or have played four seasons in juniors. Now that he's 20, he can join the Moose full time. The 2023 18th-overall pick had 32 goals and 29 assists for 61 points in 62 games to finish fourth in team scoring for the OHL's Oshawa Generals. He continued his strong play in the postseason and helped power the Generals to the championship series by racking up 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 17 playoff games.

2. Brayden Yager: Yager is one of three forwards making the jump from the Junior leagues to become a full-time professional hockey player for the first time. Along with Barlow and Jacob Julien, Yager will be joining the Moose and is expected to draw a lot of attention from Jets fans this season.

3. Elias Salomonsson: The "new" number one prospect in the Winnipeg Jets organization, Elias Salomonsson, is a 20-year-old Swedish right-handed defender. After a strong final season in the Swedish Hockey League in 2023-24, Salomonsson transitioned to North America for his first season of pro hockey with the Manitoba Moose. In 53 games, Salomonsson showcased his offensive abilities, scoring 5 goals and adding 22 assists for 27 points.

4. Kevin Conley: The forward returns to the Moose after playing 34 games with the team in 2024-25, where he posted three goals and three assists. The 28-year-old has played 129 AHL games, totaling 13 goals and 14 assists between Manitoba and the Iowa Wild. Before turning pro, Conley recorded 87 points (40 goals, 47 assists) in 161 NCAA games with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he was the captain for his final two seasons.

5. Ethan Frisch: The 24-year-old defenseman brings 125 games of AHL experience to the Moose, all with the San Jose Barracuda. In those games, he has recorded 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists). During the 2024-25 season, Frisch tallied 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 63 games, along with an assist in six playoff appearances. Prior to turning pro, Frisch spent four seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he served as an assistant captain for two seasons and accumulated 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) in 127 NCAA games.

These players, along with other Jets prospects and new additions, will be striving to improve the Moose's performance and compete for a playoff spot in the 2025-26 season.