September 28 Winnipeg Jets’ Opening Day Lineup.

September 30, 2026 by Leave a Comment

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 a look at the opening night roster and viewer questions.

Here >>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk

1. Jets:  It’s a new season, with a new roster, new lines, new goaltenders, and new hope for the Winnipeg Jets. 

To get down to the 23-man roster limit, the Winnipeg Jets assigned Brayden Yager and Domenic DiVincentiis to the Manitoba Moose.

  • Goaltenders: 
  • Stuart Skinner … Clay Stevenson
  • Defencemen:
  • Josh Morrissey … Dylan DeMelo
  • Dylan Samberg … Neal Pionk
  • Mario Ferraro … Tyrel Bauer
  • Hayden Fleury … Jack St. Ivany
  • Forwards:
  • Kyle Connor … Mark Scheifele … Cole Perfetti
  • Isak Rosen … Viggo Bjorck … Gabe Vilardi
  • Morgan Barron … Adam Lowry … Brad Lambert
  • Nino Niederreiter … Vlad Namestnikov … Alex Iafallo … Cole Koepke
  • IR:
  • Garrett Brown … Elias Salomonsson … Walker Duehr

2. Jets:  Poll Question:

What should Chevy do now that Helle is officially a "holdout"?

View Results

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 3. Jets:  According to multiple “INSIDERS,” a possible Connor Hellebuyck deal could hinge on a trade between Carolina and St. Louis involving Alexander Nikishin.  This trade may or may not happen, but if it does, then the next domino could be Helle.  Stay tuned!

4. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets have their history back as the NHL announces consolidation of the Winnipeg Jets’ history and has united both franchise eras into one official statistical history.

The Jets’ history now includes their first stint in Winnipeg (1979-96) as well as their years as the Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011) and their seasons in Winnipeg since 2011-12.

5. Jets:  Winnipeg Jets 2026 October Schedule.

The 84-game schedule has the Jets playing all their Central Division rivals four times, a pair at home and a pair on the road, for a total of 28 games.  They will play Pacific Division teams three times, while hosting and visiting all 16 Eastern Conference teams once.

Winnipeg has nine back-to-backs this season: six are two straight games on the road, two feature a home-and-road game, and one will be back-to-back games in Winnipeg against the Dallas Stars.

Viewer questions for the show:

From Ben: 

1.  What will Chevy and Helle’s mindsets be on either of the following?  Jets start season 8-2 or Jets start season 2-8.

2.  What kind of leash will Clay Stevenson have to prove himself before they either have to make another move or Milic or Dom get broken in?

From Sparky:

1.  Could the Jets have one of their best 4th lines?

2.  Is Chibrikov’s window closing?

From Andy:

1.  What do you think of our goalie we got off waivers?

2.  How much is Bauer gonna get into the rotation?

 

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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September 7 Winnipeg Jets Late-summer Update.

August 1, 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 August wrap-up at 7 pm, Sept. 7, on the Winnipeg Jets.

Here >>> https://www.youtube.com/@WpgHockTalk

1. Jets:  Connor Hellebuyck is still a Winnipeg Jet, but things could be changing as Helle has officially confirmed his trade request.  It is no longer speculation.  I guess the intent of the announcement through his agent, Ray Petkau, is “pitter-patter, let’s get at’er”; camp is getting close.      

Statement in response from Kevin Cheveldayoff:

“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change. He has been an important part of
the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years, and we have tremendous respect for what he
has accomplished here. While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful
manner, there is no update at this time.”

2. Jets:  There have been rumblings that Elias Salomonsson’s recovery is tracking toward being ready around training camp or the beginning of the regular season.  This is good news if it is accurate.  

3. NHL:  How many times have I said the NHL doesn’t play on a level playing field?

4. Jets:  The Athletics’ annual GM confidence rankings came out, and Winnipeg’s Kevin Cheveldayov came in at a very underwhelming and well-deserved 26th place.  Each team’s management group was graded on how their decisions are perceived by not only their own fan base, but the public at large.

2025 ranking: 12

They never play the young guys, they get frustrated and then leave because they aren’t getting a chance.

I’m not sure I agree with this one.  Who left?  I want names.  Rutger McGroarty?  Isn’t he still in the AHL?

The front office doesn’t seem to have a vision on what they are doing, whether that be rebuilding or getting assets needed to win right now.

Fans exaggerate their drafting and development woes, but, indeed, it hasn’t been the strength it needs to be.  Not every late first/second can be a home run, but when you’re Winnipeg, at least one of them needs to be.

No team has dropped further, and that should come as no surprise given the team’s drop in the standings, especially with their former star, Nik Ehlers, playing a feature role in a Stanley Cup win and Connor Hellebuyck’s future currently a hot topic.  Not a look one year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

While the Jets get points for moving on from Logan Stanley and adding Mario Ferraro this summer, there’s too much bad adding up, leading to a lot of lost confidence. The Jets are in a precarious position, and it’s become tough to trust Kevin Cheveldayoff to get them out of it, especially with a stubbornness to contend with a middling roster.

5. Jets:  As of today (Sept.7), Logan Stanley is an unsigned UFA.

6. Jets:  I think Helle was fine until he won the Gold Medal and was clearly brainwashed by the Team USA guys.  They got into his head.

7. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets agreed to terms with defenceman Tyrel Bauer on a two-year contract with an average annual value in the NHL of $875,000.  The deal is a two-way contract in 2026-27 and a one-way contract in 2027-28.

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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 29 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets

June 30, 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 June 29 Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets.

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

1. NHL:  The 2026 NHL Entry Draft has come and gone, with the most famous line on draft day being,

“I can’t believe he was still available with our pick”. 

That’s how I felt, along with thousands of Winnipeg Jets fans, when Gary Bettman announced the Jets had selected Viggo Bjorck.

Embed from Getty Images

2. Jets:  The next date of importance is this Wednesday, July 1st, when free agency opens.  Most teams have a lot of extra money to spend, and there will be a lot of competition for players in this slim UFA class, but there are some interesting players available that shouldn’t break the bank.

3. Jets:  The votes are in on whether Kevin Cheveldayoff should use the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft or trade it for a second-line center.

 

4. Jets:  I said Helle wouldn’t get traded, and I was right, but I’ve done a complete 360 and now think there’s a 60/40 chance he does get moved.

5. Jets:  I’m very interested to see what type of goaltender the Jets look at when free agency opens on Wednesday.  It could indicate how they feel about the long-term status of Connor Hellebuyck and the short-term status of Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis.

6. Jets:  I started following and watching Viggo Bjorck quite closely when his name started popping up as a player that should be on the Winnipeg  Jets radar based on the different draft rankings and mock drafts.  TBH, I never thought he’d be around for us at #8.  This kid has been playing with older and bigger players in the SHL and holding his own, and I realize it’s not the NHL or the AHL, nor is it the KHL, but it is men’s hockey.  He was dominant at the U20 level, and a catalyst for Sweden’s “Gold Medal” team at the WJHC, but what closed the deal for me was his play at the Men’s World Championship in Switzerland last month.  Bjorck centered Sweden’s top line, battled head-to-head with some of the best players in the world, and was a beast at the faceoff dot.  I’ve heard some interesting comparables, but I think this kid is Thomas Steen lite”. 

Questions for the show:

From Andy:
1. What do you think of our picks?
2. Why in blue blazing hell would the Jets trade Helle?
3. Do you think Chevy offers Logan Stanley a contract?

From Ben:
How much are NMCs (no movement clauses) hindering Chevy’s ability to make a trade?

From Sparky:
1. Do you think Viggo Bjorck has a shot at making this year’s roster? There have been players to make it first year.
2. Would the Jets have to pay his Swedish men’s team to release him from a contract?

Check out the video version with Harley and Mitch on YouTube for a much more detailed look >>> https://youtube.com/live/CIb4dcZXTOo 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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