What happened to the Winnipeg Jets?

That’s what Jets fans are wondering as the team failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy the year before. Winnipeg struggled out of the gate and were never able to find their footing. 

This year, the Jets enter the regular season with Connor Hellebuyck’s discontent hanging over the team like a storm cloud. Late in the summer, Hellebuyck publicly revealed that he had asked for a trade, despite a contract extension that would keep him in Winnipeg through 2030-2031. 

For Canadian bettors, the Jets represent a difficult team to bet on before the season begins. The core of the team is intact, so will we get the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets or the team that completely missed the playoffs? Here’s how betting markets at Canadian sportsbooks are treating the Jets ahead of the start of the 2026-2027 regular season. 

2025-26 Season Winnipeg Jets Recap

Expectations were high heading into last season. The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-2025 and made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

But in 2025-2026, the Jets finished 35-35-12, good for a seventh-place finish in the Central Division. Winnipeg could never get things going, suffering an 11-game losing streak in December and into January. 

Perhaps as could be expected, Hellebuyck regressed following the 2024-2025 season in which he won both the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP. The offensive weapons took a step back, and the Jets appeared to be coming back down to Earth. 

What Is Different for the Winnipeg Jets This Season?

The Jets are about to get off to an uncomfortable start, with Hellebuyck requesting a trade ahead of training camp. Hellebuyck has little leverage in the situation, but the public nature of the trade request will likely make his teammates uneasy. 

Winnipeg added former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner as Hellebuyck’s backup and signed defenceman Mario Ferraro to a three-year deal. Meanwhile, the team lost Jonathan Toews to retirement, while Eric Comrie and Gustav Nyquist departed for other teams. 

At the NHL Draft, the Jets got a steal in Swedish forward Viggo Björck at eighth overall. Björck was considered a potential top-five talent, and the Jets were thrilled to land him with the eighth pick. If he continues to impress at training camp, he could force his way onto the roster at some point this season. 

Winnipeg Jets Betting Outlook

Canadian bettors should keep an eye on individual player awards markets for the Winnipeg Jets. If there is any dip in the betting odds for Connor Hellebuyck to win the Vezina Trophy this year, it could be a nice value.

The Jets have enough talent to bounce back from their feeble 2025-2026 campaign. Futures markets likely price in a decline for the Jets after last season, so they could also be a nice longshot bet to win the Stanley Cup or win the Central Division.

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Feature image courtesy AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez vis Canadian Press Images
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FAQs

1 Are the Winnipeg Jets expected to make the playoffs in 2026-27?

The Jets have the talent to compete for a playoff spot, but their outlook depends heavily on how Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request is resolved. Winnipeg missed the playoffs last season, but is primed to rebound this season if Hellebuyck stays with the team.

2 Who is the Winnipeg Jets' best player for betting purposes?

Connor Hellebuyck remains one of the most important players to Winnipeg’s betting outlook if he stays with the team. Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are also key players to watch in goals, points and player-prop markets.

3 Who will be the Winnipeg Jets' goalie in 2026-27?

As of the preseason, Connor Hellebuyck remains on Winnipeg’s roster despite requesting a trade. Stuart Skinner was signed as his backup, but a Hellebuyck trade could change the Jets’ goaltending situation before the regular season begins.