July 6 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

July 8, 2026 by

Please join host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk owner/writer Mitch Kasprick for a more in-depth discussion of these Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League on our new WHT YouTube channel here >>>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk  LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm.  

This week’s YouTube show

Join Harley and Mitch on YouTube for the July 7 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.

Listen to a more detailed version of the Curmudgeon’s thoughts.

 

 

1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets dipped their toes into the UFA pool on July 1, the opening day and signed two interesting players in goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenceman Mario Ferraro.

2. NHL:  The early stages of “Free Agent Frenzy 2026” has come and gone with a few interesting names still on the board.

3. Jets:  Cole Perfetti has filed for salary arbitration.  Is this a big deal?

4. NHL:  NHL salary arbitration is a formal process that allows eligible Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) and their teams to settle contract disputes.  Both sides submit a proposed salary to a neutral arbitrator, who holds a hearing and issues a binding one or two-year contract for the player.

The arbitration process works according to the following specific rules:
  • Eligibility: To file, players must have accrued enough professional experience.  Eligibility depends on the age at which they signed their first contract (e.g., typically four years for players aged 18-20). 
  • The Hearing: Both the player and the team present arguments, evidence (such as statistics and injury history), and a desired salary to the arbitrator. In the NHL, arbitrators have the flexibility to rule anywhere between the two proposed salaries.
  • Settlements: The vast majority of cases are settled before the official hearing.  The player and team can continue to negotiate right up until the arbitrator announces their ruling. 
  • Walk-Away Rights: Once the arbitrator makes a decision, the team has the right to “walk away” from the award if the salary exceeds a certain threshold (adjusted annually, e.g., $4.95M), which makes the player an unrestricted free agent.

5. Jets:  Connor Hellebuyck is still a Winnipeg Jet.

6. NHL:  Interesting.

Questions for the show:

From Andy:

1. At Comrie’s price, why didn’t they re-sign him instead of Skinner?

2. Do you think our first-round pick will crack the lineup?

From Ben:
1. Do you think we are in a win-win situation, Mitch? If Helle stays, we have a legit backup, so maybe Helle only plays 50 games and is rested for the playoffs. Or, if Chevy does get good compensation on a deal, we gather more assets and still have competence in net

2.  Based on what everyone is saying about Viggo’s camp, is it out of the question to think our drastic search for that elusive 2C is over?

From Sparky:

1. Once the Jets move Helly, how soon will 55 and 81 want out?
2. Who’s this new Dman?

Check out the video version HERE with Harley and Mitch on YouTube for a much more detailed look, and with the answers to the questions above.

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June 22 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

June 22, 2026 by

1. NHL:  The NHL off-season has now officially started, now that the Carolina Hurricanes have won the Stanley Cup.  I’m glad that’s over; it seemed like months of torture.

2. Jets:  Three of the four franchises that the NHL absorbed from the WHA have now won Stanley Cups …. I wonder which one hasn’t.

3. NHL:  Red Wings’ captain, Dylan Larkin, has asked for a trade and listed Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas as his destinations of choice.  WOW!  Also, asking for a trade is Oilers’ defenceman, Darnell Nurse.

4. Jets:  The NHL Entry Draft is this Friday and Saturday in Buffalo, and there is a lot of discussion in Jetsville whether Kevin Cheveldayoff should use the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft or trade it for a second-line center.  What do you think?

Should use the 8th overall pick or trade it for a second-line center.

  • No (51%, 160 Votes)
  • Yes (25%, 77 Votes)
  • Why settle for a second line center? (24%, 74 Votes)

Total Voters: 265

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5. Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It:  I think NHL players who request a trade while under contract should lose all no-movement protection, making them null and void.  Case in point is Dylan Larkin.  He asks Detroit to trade him and then gives them a 3-team list.  That’s horseshit and will need to be addressed in the next CBA.  Players shouldn’t be able to dictate any trade parameters if they demand a trade.  IMHO, you can’t have it both ways, so Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It.

6. NHL:  With NHL free agency fast approaching, a reminder that the salary cap for 2026 is set to be 104 million, with 76.9 million being the floor.  Most teams have lots of extra money to spend, and there will be a lot of competition for players in a slim UFA class.  Maybe we’ll see some offer sheets for the RFAs?!?! 

7. Jets:  TSN insider Darren Dreger appeared on the radio show Overdrive on Thursday and was direct in his assessment of the Winnipeg Jets’ situation, stating that he can

“confidently say that they’re not shopping Connor Hellebuyck.” 

Also, in a recent appearance on the Barn Burner podcast,  Dreger stated

the Jets have been willing to listen to offers on their three-time Vezina Trophy winner, a distinction that matters.  Listening and shopping are two very different things, and as of Thursday, Winnipeg appears to be firmly in the former camp.

8. Jets:  It doesn’t matter how much I hate a team, watching the players lift the SC never gets old. Seeing their joy and real emotion is special.

“I loved being in Winnipeg. This was the dream there. I’m obviously sad I wasn’t able to do that with the guys in Winnipeg and the city of Winnipeg. They hold a special place in my heart, I’ve said that. They’re family. The whole organization gave me a shot at playing in the NHL and I couldn’t be more thankful. Like I said, it was a hard decision this summer, but I loved my ten years in Winnipeg. It was a special time.”

9. Jets:  According to Dave Pagnota from “The Fourth Period”, the Winnipeg Jets have been linked to Vegas goaltender Adin Hill and Vancouver winger Jake DeBrusk.

10. Jets:  It looks like the Jets are going to get themselves a good defenceman.

11. Jets:  Jonathon Toews officially retired on Friday and was very eloquent in his farewell speech.

 “I’m so proud to be from Winnipeg.  Thank you for making this year so special. I hope I represented you well. Thank you very much.”

Check out the video version with Harley and Mitch on YouTube for a much more detailed look >>> https://www.youtube.com/live/Dhttps://youtube.com/live/Dv9eCne2f08v9eCne2f08?si=aK4VRGw58LAER3Uo

 

 

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Apr. 20 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

April 20, 2026 by

Please join host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk owner/writer Mitch Kasprick for a more in-depth discussion of these Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League on our new WHT YouTube channel here >>>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm.  

This week’s YouTube show

Listen to the detailed version of the Curmudgeon’s thoughts.  LIVE at 7:00 pm. 

Join Harley and Mitch on YouTube for the Apr. 20 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.  Here >>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk 

Check out our YouTube channel for the Winnipeg Jets season-ending report cards starting Wednesday morning.

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets’ season has mercifully come to a conclusion with them missing the playoffs after winning the “Presidents’ Trophy ” the previous year.  The Jets finished the season with an underwhelming 35-35-12 record.  What’s next?  WTF knows.

2. Jets:  I thought Brayden Yager showed pretty well in the 3 games he played, and I’m sure he has his sights set on making the big club next season, and that could be a big ask for the young centerman, but I liked what I saw, and I’m pulling for him.   

3. Things that make me go hmmm 🤔:  I often wonder how smart the Jets’ braintrust is when they watched Gus Nyquist flail away all season and accomplish SFA but thought that was still a better option than giving their prospects a look.  Sometimes you have to eat crow and admit you f’d up.  Chevy and Arniel wasted 51 games of prime developmental ice time on a 35-year-old.   

4. Jets:  Mark Scheifele won the “Three Stars Award” as the Jets player to receive the most ‘Three Stars’ honours in 2025-26.  Scheif also set the franchise record with 103 points this season. 

5. Jets:  The Dan Snyder Memorial Award is presented each year to the Winnipeg Jets player who embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his team and teammates might succeed, and this year it was presented to Morgan Barron.

6. Jets:  Is the injury to Connor Hellebuyck and their post-Olympic run enough to save the job/jobs of Scott Arniel and/or Kevin Cheveldayoff?

Are the Coach and GM safe?

View Results

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7. Jets:  Scott Arniel admitted that he played injured players at 50%-60% healthy over healthy prospects.  Discuss amongst yourselves.

8. Jets:  Playoff and Lottery Odds: 

 

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9. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose will host the best-of-3 opening playoff round versus Milwaukee on April 22 at Canada Life Centre.   

GO MOOSE GO

10. Jets:  Tidbits and FYIs:

  • Mark Scheifele was tied for 3rd in the NHL with 80 even-strength points.
  • Morgan Barron led the Jets with 1:52 on-ice per game shorthanded.
  • Mark Scheifele and Dylan DeMelo will be off to the World Championship to play for Team Canada.
  • Thomas Milic was named Manitoba’s MVP this season.
  • The Moose presented Isaak Phillips with the Best Defenceman Award.

Check out our YouTube channel for the Winnipeg Jets season-ending report cards starting Wednesday morning .

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Apr.13 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

April 13, 2026 by

Please join host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk owner/writer Mitch Kasprick for a more in-depth discussion of these Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League on our new WHT YouTube channel here >>>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm.  

This week’s YouTube show

Listen to the detailed version of the Curmudgeon’s thoughts.  LIVE at 7:00 pm. 

Join Harley and Mitch on YouTube for the Apr. 13 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.  Here >>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk

 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-1-0 this past week but it won’t be enough as they are virtually on the brink of elimination.  The Jets gave it an honest effort post-Olympic break, but the hill was just too tall to climb.  Their record currently sits at 35-32-12.  To be officially eliminated, all it takes is for Los Angeles to gain 2 points or Winnipeg to drop 2 points in their final 3 games. 

2. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets recalled Nikita Chibrikov and Brayden Yager from the Manitoba Moose.  I’m looking forward to seeing Yager at the NHL level, and I’m already a fan of Chibs. 

3. Things that make me go hmmm 🤔:  I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I can’t help but wonder if the Jets’ performance vs Philadelphia was a direct result of LA defeating Edmonton 1-0 in an afternoon game on Saturday.  Hoping a win vs Philly gets them to within 1 point of LA must have been a kick in the groin that the Oilers couldn’t even muster up 1 goal against LA.

4. Jets:  Miracles do happen.  The Jets’ power play actually won them a hockey game, going 3 for 3 in a 6-2 win over Seattle.  The powerplay staked them to a 3-1 lead after 2 periods, and the team never looked back.  All it took was a Jonathon Toews for Cole Perfetti swap to ignite them.

5. Jets:  Mark Scheifele notched his 900th career point on Monday vs Seattle, and with his 2 points vs St. Louis, he now has 99 points, 1 point from his first 100-point season.  What a waste of Scheif’s best season.

6. Jets:  Is the injury to Connor Hellebuyck and their post-Olympic run enough to save the job/jobs of Scott Arniel and/or Kevin Cheveldayoff?

Are the Coach and GM safe?

View Results

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7. Jets:  This past week really showed me how much confidence Brad Lambert has gained, and I must admit I was very, very concerned he might be another overrated prospect, and I can’t see him playing in the AHL next year.

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8. Jets:  Playoff and Lottery Odds:  As of April 12, the Winnipeg Jets are not eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, but their chances are slim, and none and slim just left town.

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9. Moose:  Moose clinch with 6 games to go in the regular season! 

10. 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: 24th at 18.10% (net 25th at 16.20%) +4
  • PK: 19th at 78.50% (net 19th at 81.30%)
  • FO: 10th at 51.00%

11. Jets:  Goaltending:

  • Connor Hellebuyck:  23-22-11 … 2.80 GAA … .897 SV%
  • Eric Comrie:  12-9-1 … 2.95 GAA … .894 SV%

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

  • Good:  Alex Iafallo, almost every night. 
  • Bad:  Jacob Bryson, Dylan DeMelo, and Haydn Fluery.  These are not SC dmen.
  • Ugly:  Saturday night.

13. Jets: Tidbits and FYIs:

  • The Jets’ record since the Olympic break is a solid 13-6-4.
  • Jonathon Toews nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually by the NHL to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
  • Josh Morrissey didn’t make it into TSN’s “Top 10” Norris Trophy candidates. Discuss amongst yourselves.
  • Gabe Vilardi has been nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, presented to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and makes a notable contribution to the community.

14. Jets:  Pet Peeve:  Fans and media that continuously defend and make excuses for the owner, the GM, or the coach.  Why is nobody at TNSE ever accountable?

15. WHT on X:

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Apr. 6 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

April 6, 2026 by

Please join host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk owner/writer Mitch Kasprick for a more in-depth discussion of these Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League on our new WHT YouTube channel here >>>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk  LIVE every Monday at 7:00 pm.  

This week’s YouTube show

Join Harley and Mitch on YouTube for the Apr. 6 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.

Listen to a more detailed version of the Curmudgeon’s thoughts.

Note: Because of today’s Jets game, we will be Live at 5:30 pm

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-1-0 this past week but have failed to gain any ground in their pursuit of the final wildcard in the Western Conference.  Their record currently sits at 33-31-12.  The boys are 3 points out of the playoffs with 6 games remaining in the regular season and still kicking at the cat, but they’re running out of games.

2. Jets:  It’s funny, Brad Lambert hasn’t put any points on the board lately, BUT you’d never know he’s the rookie out there.  

3. Things that make me go hmmm #1 🤔:  Almost all of the local podcasters or YouTube channels dedicated to following the Winnipeg Jets have all said the same thing.

The Winnipeg Jets are a much better team right now, but no thanks to the braintrust that finally made the correct roster moves based on necessity and not good roster management.

Most of us had been begging for these moves months ago, and if a bunch of keyboard warriors and basement dwellers could see it, why couldn’t our illustrious braintrust?  This organisation is so slow to react, if they react at all.  VERY FRUSTRATING.

4. Jets:  From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.   It’s hard to get “frontier justice” if the intended target doesn’t want to engage, like on Thursday night in Dallas when Jason Robertson executed a legal but dirty reverse-hit on Elias Salomonsson that knocked him out of the game and the next game in Columbus.  The thing is, he (Robertson) tried it again late in the 3rd period on the much smaller Cole Perfetti with the score 3-0, and Neal Pionk wasn’t happy about it and gave him a couple of shots, then challenged him, but Robertson wanted no part of that, and his teammates came to his aid and jumped Pionk.  The part that bothered me about this course of events was that Jets’ captain, Adam Lowry, ended up having to fight Stars’ captain Jamie Benn while the gutless puke stood there and watched, uninvolved and unscathed.  Jason Robertson, who is 6’3 and 200 lbs, is under no obligation to fight if he doesn’t want to, but I’m sorry, if he can’t sack-up and fight the smaller Neal Pionk at 6’0, 190 lbs, he shouldn’t be playing that way.  As far as I’m concerned, this isn’t settled, and I hope the Jets’players don’t forget it either, which they won’t.  I’m sorry to all the snowflakes that won’t like the “frontier justice,” but that’s how it works, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.

5. Jets:  The second period in Columbus might be the most dominant period of hockey they’ve played all season, but it took them 18 min and 14 sec to get something to show for it.

6. Pet Peeve:  Officials/linesmen constantly in the way along the boards affecting play.  GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY FFS.

7. Jets:  This past week, whenever the Jets were in trouble on the ice, it seemed like Dylan DeMelo or Jacob Bryson were the cause.  We are contractually (2 more years) stuck with DeMelo, but I hope Chevy doesn’t do something stupid like offer Bryson a contract.

8. Jets:  Playoff and Lottery Odds:  As of April 6

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Note: Because of today’s Jets game, we will be Live at 5:30 pm at

👉 👉 👉 Winnipeg Hockey Talk on YouTube

9. 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: 28th at 17.20% (net 26th at 15.80%)
  • PK: 19th at 78.30% (net 19th at 81.20%)
  • FO: 12th at 50.80%

10. Jets:  Goaltending:

  • Connor Hellebuyck:  21-21-11 … 2.77 GAA … .898 SV%
  • Eric Comrie:  12-9-1 … 2.85 GAA … .897 SV%

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

  • Good:  The compete level of the younger players. 
  • Bad:  Helle’s wandering out of the net.
  • Ugly:  How Dallas overwhelmed the Jets with their size.

12. Jets: Tidbits and FYIs:

  • Mark Scheifele has 31 multipoint games this season.
  • On Saturday night, Kyle Connor scored his 35th and 36th goals of the season.
  • Danny Zhilkin notched his first NHL point on Tuesday in Chicago by assisting on Isak Rosen’s goal.
  • Winnipeg is 3 points ahead of its Monday night opposition, the Seattle Kraken

13. WHT on X:

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