The Winnipeg Jets entered the 2025-26 season with Stanley Cup aspirations, fueled by a dominant 2024-25 campaign that saw them capture the President's Trophy. However, recent developments have cast a shadow of doubt over their ability to contend, highlighting a critical vulnerability: goaltending.
Winnipeg currently holds a 12-10-0 record. While still in the playoff picture, sitting sixth in the Central Division, they've lost their last three games. Their offensive production has been decent, with 70 goals for, but they've allowed 63. The team's struggles can be attributed, in part, to inconsistent performances in net and increased goals allowed compared to last season.
A significant blow to the Jets' aspirations came with the recent announcement that Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart Trophy winner and three-time Vezina Trophy recipient, will be sidelined for four to six weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery. Hellebuyck, who had an 8-6-0 record with a .913 save percentage and 2.51 goals-against average in his first 14 starts this season, had been playing through the injury since training camp. Coach Scott Arniel noted that the timing was right to address the nagging issue.
Hellebuyck's absence places immense pressure on the Jets' backup goaltenders, Eric Comrie and Thomas Milic. Milic, who was called up from the AHL's Manitoba Moose, is expected to make his NHL debut soon. The Jets' ability to remain competitive during Hellebuyck's absence hinges on whether Comrie and Milic can provide adequate goaltending.
The Jets' defensive play also needs to improve. They are giving up more scoring chances and goals compared to last season, with some inconsistency from the defensemen. This puts additional pressure on the goaltenders, especially with Hellebuyck out.
Offensively, the Jets rely heavily on their top line, composed of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi. While they've replicated their success from last season, the team needs more consistent depth scoring to ease the burden on the top line. Beyond the top line, only Josh Morrissey (5) and Vladislav Namestnikov (6) have more than 5 goals.
Despite these challenges, the Jets have strengths. Their special teams have been above average, with a 23.9% power play (7th in the league) and an 83.8% penalty kill (also 7th). However, consistency is needed to elevate them into the top 5 in these categories.
The Jets' upcoming schedule includes a five-game road trip and a challenging stretch of games. How they navigate this period, particularly with Hellebuyck sidelined, will be a crucial test of their resilience and depth.
The Winnipeg Jets are at a crossroads. They possess the talent and experience to be a top contender in the Western Conference. However, their success hinges on addressing their goaltending situation and improving their overall consistency. In a league where even average goaltending can derail a team's Stanley Cup hopes, the Jets must find a way to weather the storm and ensure that their aspirations don't fall victim to their inability to afford average goaltending during Hellebuyck's injury.
