As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves at a critical juncture. With the regular season on hold until February 25th, the team and its fans face a period of reflection and anticipation. The Jets' final game before the break was a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday at Canada Life Centre.
Schedule Overview
The Jets' schedule resumes on February 25 with a three-game road trip, starting in Vancouver, followed by games in Anaheim and San Jose. The team's 20-day break for the Olympics runs from February 5-24. Winnipeg will not return to Canada Life Centre until March. January and March are the team's busiest months.
Olympic Participation
Four Winnipeg Jets players will be representing their countries at the Winter Olympics. Josh Morrissey will be playing for Team Canada, while veteran forward Nino Niederreiter will represent Switzerland, even serving as the flag bearer for his nation at the opening ceremony. For Team USA, both Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck will be participating. The Men's ice hockey tournament begins on February 11th, but the first chance to see these Jets players in action will be on February 12th. Niederreiter and Switzerland open their tournament against France at 5:10 am CST. Later that morning, at 9:40 am CST, Josh Morrissey and Canada will battle Czechia. In the afternoon, at 2:10 pm CST, Kyle Connor, Connor Hellebuyck and the Americans will face off against Latvia. The championship Gold Medal game is on February 22nd.
Key Storylines
Several storylines surround the Jets as they enter this break. The team's performance has been a far cry from their dominant regular season last year. After 56 games, Winnipeg sits with a 22-26-8 record, struggling to remain relevant in the playoff race. They are currently 11 points outside of a wild card position.
General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is reportedly considering a shift to "seller" status leading up to the March 6 trade deadline. Veteran players like Logan Stanley, Nino Niederreiter, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Gustav Nyquist are rumored to be potential trade assets.
Coach Scott Arniel referred to the post-Olympic return to practice as a 'mini training camp'. The demanding schedule following the break will test the team's depth and determine who remains after the trade deadline. The Jets have five games before the trade deadline after the Olympic break.
Individual Performances
Despite the team's struggles, some individual players have been performing well. Mark Scheifele has been a standout, leading the team with 27 goals and 41 assists. Kyle Connor has also been highly effective, with 25 goals and 39 assists. Gabe Vilardi has quietly become part of a dangerous trio with Scheifele and Connor, nearing career-high numbers. Josh Morrissey continues to be a solid presence on the blue line, earning him a spot on Team Canada's Olympic roster.
Looking Ahead
The Olympic break provides a chance for the Jets to regroup and re-evaluate their approach for the remainder of the season. The team's management faces crucial decisions regarding potential trades and the overall direction of the franchise. The Jets must decide which players to build around long-term and who to move on from. The Jets return to play on February 25, just nine days before the looming March 6 NHL trade deadline.