Since 2016, the Winnipeg Jets have aimed to bolster their roster through the NHL Entry Draft, with varying degrees of success in the first round. Evaluating these picks involves considering their NHL impact, performance relative to expectations, and the talent available at the time of selection.
2016: Patrik Laine and Logan Stanley
The 2016 draft was a significant one for the Jets, holding the 2nd and 18th overall picks. With the 2nd overall pick, the Jets selected Finnish forward Patrik Laine. Laine quickly made an impact, showcasing his elite goal-scoring ability in his early seasons with the Jets. While he demonstrated "crazy good numbers" early on, Laine was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2020-21 season. Laine has scored 224 goals and assisted on 197 others in 532 NHL games. While Laine's time in Winnipeg ended prematurely, his initial success justifies the high draft position.
The Jets also selected defenseman Logan Stanley with the 18th overall pick. Stanley's selection was met with some debate, with questions arising whether it was a reach. Stanley has played 202 NHL games, recording 5 goals and 31 assists. While he has been a consistent presence on the Jets'blue line, injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from solidifying a top-pairing role. Considering his draft position, Stanley's impact has been adequate but perhaps underwhelming compared to other players available at the time.
2017: Kristian Vesalainen
In 2017, the Jets selected Finnish forward Kristian Vesalainen with the 24th overall pick. Vesalainen's path to the NHL was not as smooth. After a few seasons of development in Europe and the AHL, Vesalainen played a limited number of games for the Jets. Ultimately, he did not establish himself as a consistent NHL player and returned to Europe. With the benefit of hindsight, the Jets could have potentially selected players who have had more significant NHL careers.
2018: No First-Round Pick
The Winnipeg Jets did not have a first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
2019: Ville Heinola
The Jets picked Ville Heinola with the 20th overall pick in 2019. Heinola, a defenseman, has shown promise with his skating and puck-moving abilities. However, he has struggled to consistently crack the Jets' lineup, spending time in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. While it's still early in his career, Heinola needs to further develop his overall game to become a mainstay on the Jets' blue line.
2020: Cole Perfetti
Cole Perfetti was selected by the Jets with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Perfetti is viewed as a highly skilled and creative offensive player. He has since become a successful pick from the 2020 draft.
2021: Chaz Lucius
With the 18th overall pick in 2021, the Jets selected Chaz Lucius. He is considered a promising prospect.
2022: Brad Lambert
Brad Lambert was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round (30th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Lambert has appeared in six NHL games since graduating from the WHL. With the AHL’s Moose, he has played 139 contests, collecting 93 points.
2023: No First-Round Pick
The Winnipeg Jets did not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
2024: No First-Round Pick
The Winnipeg Jets did not have a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
2025: Sascha Boumedienne
Sascha Boumedienne was drafted 28th overall in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Overall Assessment
The Winnipeg Jets' first-round draft record since 2016 is a mixed bag. Patrik Laine was a definite success, while Logan Stanley has been a serviceable player. Other picks like Kristian Vesalainen and Ville Heinola have yet to make a consistent impact. It is still too early to accurately assess the more recent selections. The success of NHL drafts often relies on a combination of scouting expertise, player development, and a bit of luck.
