Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets for Jan. 12, 2026

January 12, 2026 by

Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey

I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.  I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman, or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps, or is it the 8Ps?  You’ve been warned.

For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the new WHT YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk

Host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League. 

 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-1-1 at home this past week.  The boys finally got a few bounces, some secondary scoring, and continued solid play from the top line, improving their record to 17-22-5, nine points out of the playoffs.     

2. NHL:  The actual NHL trade deadline is March 6, twelve days after the Olympic Games, but there could be some action just before the trade freeze coming during the Olympic break, from Feb. 4 through Feb. 22.  Some are calling it the mini-deadline.  I wonder how it will affect things?

3. Jets:  It took an injury, but he got the call-up.

4. Jets:  From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.  

Some Winnipeg Jets fans think the Jets are bad and should tank to get a lottery pick in June while some Jets fans still cling to the hope of a magical run and making the playoffs.  The tankers call the fans still clinging to the hope of a playoff spot delusional.  Yes, this team has shown us what rock bottom looks like, but to think they could look that bad for another half of a season and get a lottery pick with players like Helle, Josh, KC, Gabe, Schief, and the captain is just as delusional.  There is a very good chance both sides are dreaming so put that in your pipe and smoke it!

5. Jets:  This could make things interesting around Jetsville, especially for the haters.

6. Jets:  Question for Scott Arniel:  Can you believe you haven’t been fired?

7. Jets:  Scott Arniel looks like he finally has a working, functioning second line.  Jonathon Toews, Cole Perfetti, and Gabe Vilardi have breathed new life into this Jets team and will hopefully get even better in the second half of the season.  Their early impressions look positive.

8. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets seemingly give up a power-play goal every game and go O-fer on PP quite often, so it’s no wonder they lost so many 1-goal games.  You just can’t have both special team units playing like crap, so it is no mystery to me why they were re in last place in the NHL for a while.

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9. Jets:  As of Monday morning, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs are sitting at 8.3%, basically slim and none and slim just left town.  As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations.  

10. Things that make me go hmmm: #1 🤔 Some fans and even some media are wondering why Scott Arniel hasn’t split the Mark Scheifele/Kyle Connor pairing? 

11. Jets:  Special Teams:  Rule of thumb.  Have the power play and penalty kill (PK and PP) numbers total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).

  • PP: 19th at 18.70% down from 18th at 19.10% last week (net 17th at 17.10%)*
  • PK: 22nd at 77.70% down from 21st 78.30% last week (net 19th at 81.30%)*
  • FO: 9th at 51.20% down from 10th at 51.50% last week

12. Jets:  Goaltending:

  • Connor Hellebuyck:  10-12-4 … 2.70 GAA … .901 SV%
  • Eric Comrie:  7-9-1 … 3.33 GAA … .884 SV%

13. Jets:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.

  • Good:  Cole Perfetti has looked more like his usual self the past few games, which is great news for the second line.  
  • Bad:  The Jets defencemen do a poor job of keeping Helle’s crease area clean.  It’s like a fire drill in his crease. 
  • Ugly:  Helle handling the puck is like watching a dog trying to hump a football.  

14. Things that make me go hmmm: #2 🤔 The guys from Spittin’ Chicklets posed this question: Are the tough old school Canadian players from blue-collar families getting priced out of hockey in Canada, and it’s now all soft rich kids?!

15. Jets:  Prospect Update:  Winnipeg Jets draft picks Sascha Boumedienne (2025, 1st round) and Alfons Freij (2024, 2nd round) have won gold medals at the U-20 World Hockey Championships.  Boumedienne scored the game-winner in the Gold Medal game, and Freij put up seven assists in the tournament, quarterbacking the Swedish power play.  Both Jets prospects were integral parts of Team Sweden’s success.  Their future looks bright.

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