Jets Rumors: Winnipeg Has Cap Space To Make More Moves This Offseason.
The Winnipeg Jets have had a relatively quiet offseason, leaving fans to wonder if general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has more moves up his sleeve.
After losing Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton, and Brandon Tanev in free agency, the team has brought in Jonathan Toews, Tanner Pearson, and Gustav Nyquist to help fill the gaps. But with Ehlers’ departure leaving a clear hole in the top six and approximately $10 million in cap space available, many believe the Jets still have work to do.
Cap Space vs. Uncertainty
According to Michael Remis of Winnipeg Sports Talk, the Jets’ secondary scoring took a major hit when Ehlers walked, and his absence also weakens the team’s top power play. Toews is projected as the second-line center, but his production is uncertain after a lengthy layoff, and Nyquist is coming off a down year.
“I think this is going to be it for now,” Remis said on Daily Faceoff Live. He added that much of the Jets’ remaining cap room will be allocated toward Dylan Samberg’s arbitration settlement and Toews’ performance bonuses, which could limit additional moves.
David Pagnotta: Re Kyle Connor extension: I haven't heard of anything in terms of being a problem; Ehlers...people knew about a year out he was pretty much going to test the market; haven't gotten that sense at all...with respect to Kyle Connor - Melnick in the Afternoon (7/21)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 28, 2025
Another wrinkle is the team’s crowded blue line, with nine defensemen under contract even before Samberg’s new deal. This surplus could give the Jets flexibility to swing a trade if the right opportunity arises. However, the front office appears hesitant to make any major moves unless a clear fit presents itself.
Kyle Connor’s Extension Looms
The biggest factor in Winnipeg’s long-term planning may be star winger Kyle Connor’s impending payday. Connor is entering the final year of his $7.14 million deal and is likely to command at least $10 million annually if he hits free agency next summer.
The Jets’ entire salary structure could be reshaped by Connor’s next deal, and management may be reluctant to add another significant contract before securing their leading scorer.
KYLE CONNOR TOO CLUTCH 🥶
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 20, 2025
His late third period goal gives Winnipeg a 1-0 series lead over St. Louis 💪 pic.twitter.com/1MHg0oosNk
While Cheveldayoff could choose to add another forward to boost the top-six, the team’s current stance suggests the roster may be set heading into camp. If so, the Jets will be banking on bounce-back seasons from Toews and Nyquist, internal growth, and a stable blue line to keep them competitive in a tight Central Division.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
