Connor Fedorek signed with the Norfolk Admirals for the 2025-26 season, adding another layer of blue-line depth for the ECHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose. The 26-year-old defender was first brought aboard on December 29, 2023, and in the following season he put up 18 points in 67 games while pacing the Admirals with 95 penalty minutes. The prior stretch with Norfolk included a 14-point, +13 showing in 31 games, underscoring a two-way game and a gritty edge. This contract signals continued trust in his mix of physicality and puck engagement.

Fedorek ascended from SPHL beginnings in Fayetteville to Reading, Indy, and finally Norfolk, complemented by Ferris State three-season experience and a productive 29-game college run at Utica University (25 points, third among Pioneers’ defensemen). For fantasy players, the focus is on his role, minutes, and special-teams usage in Norfolk. A steady bottom-pairing presence with PK duties could yield reliable peripheral stats in deeper leagues, especially if injuries or roster churn create pulse points for opportunities.

Winnipeg rode a historic regular season but playoff pain lingered after a second‑round exit to Dallas. The Jets’ core remains strong, yet contract talk looms over Kyle Connor, who is in the final year of his deal. Insider chatter suggests Connor may prefer free agency next summer to see what the market offers, delaying Winnipeg’s extension push. Connor’s 41 goals and 56 assists last season marked a career high, amplifying both sides’ leverage. If he leaves, a middle‑ice vacancy could reshape Winnipeg’s ceiling; if he stays, star power must be balanced with cap and roster planning as the offseason unfolds and teams keep a wary eye on the situation.

The looming decision is one of the biggest NHL storylines of the next year. Jets watchers anticipate strategic moves—extension talks, potential trades, or a daring rebuild pivot—driven by Connor’s trajectory and Winnipeg’s willingness to invest long‑term. Across the league, multiple clubs will monitor Connor’s status closely, recognizing the ripple effects on lines, power play, and fantasy rosters.

Edmonton’s front office is again probing the waiver wire and contemplating late-summer moves to deepen the roster after rolling the dice on Kasperi Kapanen and Alec Regula last season. The Oilers could pursue a handful of waiver targets or swing a September trade as insurance for depth at forward, defense, and goaltending.

Projected targets include goaltenders Mike DiPietro and Colton Ellis, plus forward options Samuel Fagemo and Matej Blumel, with William Villeneuve providing right-handed defensive depth. Matt Grzelcyk surfaces as the marquee UFA defenseman the Oilers could chase, potentially shaping a third pairing or power-play role. The piece also flags Colorado, Chicago, and Calgary as logical bidders should Grzelcyk hit the open market, while noting Edmonton’s cap constraints as it weighs deals and possible restructures.

Eric Comrie will trade his goalie pads for golf clubs later this month after earning a sponsor's exemption to play in the Manitoba Open. He will compete as an amateur in the PGA Tour Americas event August 21-24 at Breezy Bend Country Club. This marks another offseason chapter for the Jets keeper as he steps into Breezy Bend’s fairways rather than the crease.

The Manitoba Open has become a Jets tradition that has welcomed active players like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Morgan Barron and Dylan Samberg in recent years. The tournament traces back to 1919, boasting champions such as Moe Norman and George Knudson, with CT Pan among current PGA Tour players who’ve added their name to its lore. The PGA Tour Americas frame grounds the event as a gateway for rising talent and a beloved Manitoba fixture—a rare cross-sport spotlight that keeps fans engaged during the long summer.

Comrie’s foray into golf underscores the cross-pollination between hockey and golf that Manitoba sports fans relish. It offers a fun off-ice backdrop for Jets supporters and fantasy enthusiasts alike, highlighting how a team’s culture extends beyond the rink while providing a light, fan-centric talking point as the season approaches.

Jack O’Leary signed with the Norfolk Admirals for the 2025-26 season, marking a clear step in the Jets’ development pipeline from college to pro hockey. The Cornell product posted 17 points (8 goals, 9 assists) in his senior year and had previously joined the Admirals on an amateur tryout in April, appearing in six regular-season games and nine playoff contests. He notched his first professional goal in the North Division Semifinals against Wheeling, signaling a potential as a reliable depth forward as he transitions into pro hockey with a clear developmental track toward the NHL.

The arrangement ties O’Leary to the Jets through the Admirals (ECHL) and Manitoba Moose (AHL), underscoring how collegiate standouts can climb the ladder via affiliate systems. O’Leary’s playoff experience and late-blooming pro debut add a layer of intrigue for fantasy managers, suggesting a future path that could yield a call-up if he continues to adapt to the pro game and demonstrates consistent two-way value in the minors.

For fantasy-centric readers, the key takeaway is the potential long-term upside rather than immediate production. O’Leary’s age (25) and proven performance in high-pressure playoff settings hint at a player who could become a versatile depth option. Expect his role to grow as he develops in the AHL and, if his trajectory continues upward, a future opportunity with the Jets could materialize in the coming seasons.