Cole Perfetti’s ascent with Winnipeg is in focus as he enters a season built on playoff grit and a bigger role. After a career-best 50 points in 82 games, he’s slated for top-six duty and first-unit power play alongside Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist, with Nikolaj Ehlers’ departure opening more ice for him. Coach Scott Arniel emphasizes consistency and two-way impact, while Perfetti carries momentum from the Manitoba Miracle memory into a pivotal year for the Jets.

With Perfetti anchoring a line of high hockey IQ and a shoot-friendly mindset, Winnipeg aims to translate last season’s depth into sustained offense. The Jets’ 2023-24 arc—Presidents’ Trophy finish, a tough second-round exit to Dallas, and a tightening of complementary pieces—gives Perfetti a clear path to expanded production and fantasy relevance as he grows into a trusted offensive driver.

Winnipeg heads into 2025-26 with a reshaped roster built to sustain its elite pace and chase another deep playoff run. Ehlers is gone and Lowry will be out weeks into the season, while Jonathan Toews arrives to bring veteran leadership and playmaking. Gustav Nyquist and Tanner Pearson add veteran depth to the wings, helping offset the losses. Connor remains the engine, and Cheveldayoff emphasizes belief in a cohesive group capable of elevating one another as they rework lines and roles.

The challenge is fitting Toews into a high‑powered, young core and replacing Ehlers’ scoring touch while staying competitive in real time. If Connor holds 90+ points and the new depth hits, Winnipeg could translate regular-season dominance into a postseason arc, but injuries and contract talks (notably Connor’s) will shape the ceiling and tempo of the campaign.

Jonathan Toews is entering the next phase of his NHL return with Winnipeg after a two-year illness-induced layoff, followed by a five-week Ayurvedic detox in India. On the Jets ice ahead of training camp, he stresses patience as he reclaims pace and reestablishes his two-way game with the group.

Adam Lowry, Jets captain, praises Toews’ leadership and knowledge, noting how the veteran’s presence could lift the room and align with Winnipeg’s strengths. The piece frames a measured ramp for Toews, with Olympic timing in mind but conditioning first, leaving fantasy managers watching line combos and special-teams roles closely.

Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry is slated to miss the beginning of the upcoming NHL season due to hip surgery. The Jets announced that the procedure was successful, and they anticipate a full recovery period of approximately five to six months. Lowry played a pivotal role in the Jets' postseason run, scoring four goals in 13 games, including a critical double-overtime goal against the St. Louis Blues in Game 7. As he approaches the final season of a five-year contract worth $16.25 million, his absence could have significant implications for the Jets as they aim to build on their prior success, having won the Presidents' Trophy last season.