Winnipeg erased a 4-2 deficit in the third and topped Calgary 5-4 in a shootout, with Tanner Pearson delivering the deciding goal in the seventh round. The Jets leaned on depth scoring—Haydn Fleury, Gustav Nyquist, Alex Iafallo and Parker Ford finding the back of the net as Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 of 29. Calgary got a two-goal night from Nazem Kadri, but went 0-for-5 on the power play as Dustin Wolf faced 35 shots. In the Canucks-Oilers tilt, Vancouver pulled off a 3-2 OT win on Conor Garland’s early OT strike after Jonathan Lekkerimaki tied it late in the third; Edmonton got goals from Kasperi Kapanen and Leon Draisaitl, with Pettersson leaving after an elbow to the head in the second.

The night showcased preseason storylines: Jets’ scoring depth and goaltending steadiness versus Flames’ run-and-gun through Kadri’s a.m. two-goal effort, plus a Canucks win that underscored Garland’s finishing touch and Lekkerimaki’s timely equalizer. Both games offered a closer look at roster battles, special-teams execution and how fantasy assets might ride the momentum into the regular season.

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.

Gustav Nyquist has officially joined the Winnipeg Jets, signing a one-year deal worth $3.25 million, which adds a proven scoring winger to the team's ranks. After scoring 12 goals and 28 points last season, Nyquist brings consistent offensive production, having hit double digits in goals for 11 consecutive years. This move comes as the Jets navigate free agency, particularly regarding the fate of Nikolaj Ehlers, who remains an unrestricted free agent and is critical to the Jets' scoring depth.

With $24.5 million in cap space to work with, the Jets are also focusing on signing key restricted free agents, including Gabriel Vilardi. They’ve already made significant moves by adding Jonathan Toews and Tanner Pearson to support their forward group. As Nyquist’s addition coincides with potential changes in their roster, the Jets aim to bolster their offense amidst uncertainty surrounding Ehlers and other free agents.