The Winnipeg Jets entered the 2025 free agency period with a mix of challenges and opportunities, aiming to build on their successful 2024-25 season, which saw them win the President's Trophy. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff faced decisions regarding retaining key players and addressing potential holes in the roster.
Key Free Agent Signings
The Jets made several moves to bolster their forward depth. On July 1, 2025, the team announced the signings of left-wingers Tanner Pearson and Cole Koepke, both to one-year contracts with an average annual value of $1 million.
- Tanner Pearson: Pearson, 32, brought a wealth of experience to Winnipeg, having played 722 career NHL games and won a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014. In the 2024-25 season with the Vegas Golden Knights, he recorded 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 78 games. Pearson's signing provided the Jets with a reliable depth scorer who could contribute on the fourth line and provide valuable experience. Pearson also played junior hockey with current Jets alternate captain Mark Scheifele.
- Cole Koepke: Koepke, 27, came off his first full NHL season with the Boston Bruins, where he scored 10 goals and 17 points in 72 games. The young forward added size and grit to the Jets' lineup and played two seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth with Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg.
Other Notable Additions and Re-Signings
- Jonathan Toews: The Jets officially announced the signing of Winnipeg native Jonathan Toews to a one-year deal worth $2 million, with potential incentive bonuses reaching $5 million. Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, hoped to resurrect his NHL career after being away from the game for two full seasons.
- Kale Clague: The Jets signed Kale Clague, a left-handed defenseman, to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 in the NHL and $475,000 in the AHL.
- Phillip Di Giuseppe: Winnipeg signed Phillip Di Giuseppe, a left winger, to a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 in the NHL and $475,000 in the AHL.
- Haydn Fleury: The Jets re-signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a two-year contract extension.
Departures and Potential Losses
- Nikolaj Ehlers: A major storyline for the Jets was the potential departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, who informed the club he would test the free agent market. Ehlers, drafted ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2014, had been a consistent offensive contributor for the team. Ultimately, Ehlers did not re-sign with the Jets and tested the market.
- Mason Appleton: Another winger who could have departed was Mason Appleton, who expressed interest in remaining with the Jets.
- Brandon Tanev: Former Jets forward Brandon Tanev signed a three-year deal with Utah.
UFA Targets
With the potential departure of Ehlers, the Jets needed to explore options to add scoring and skill to their forward group. One potential target was Mikael Granlund, a versatile center/winger who played for the Dallas Stars. Other potential UFA targets included Tanner Jeannot and Anthony Beauvillier.
Cap Space and Roster Considerations
Heading into free agency, the Jets had approximately $23.5 million in salary cap space with 18 players on the roster. The team had several key players eligible for extensions, including Kyle Connor and Cole Perfetti. The Jets also needed to address the contracts of restricted free agents like Gabe Vilardi and Dylan Samberg.
Overall, the Winnipeg Jets approached the 2025 free agency period with a focus on adding depth and experience to their forward ranks while also navigating potential key player departures and managing their salary cap. The signings of Pearson and Koepke, along with the addition of Toews, aimed to complement the team's existing core and maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
