The Winnipeg Jets have gone from the best team in the NHL to the absolute worst—and it’s time for a different approach. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season with 116 points, the Jets now sit dead last in the league standings with just 35 points.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is not giving up on this season, and multiple Winnipeg Jets trade rumors are heating up as the March 6th deadline approaches.
From Presidents’ Trophy to Last Place: What Went Wrong?
The numbers tell a shocking story:
| Stat | 2024-25 Season | 2025-26 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 116 (1st) | 35 (32nd) |
| Record | 56-18-8 | 15-20-4 |
| Position | Presidents’ Trophy | Dead Last |
The Jets recently suffered an 11-game losing streak (0-7-4), marking one of the most dramatic falls from grace in recent NHL history.
Key Issues Plaguing Winnipeg
The problems are easy to identify:
- Secondary scoring has disappeared – Gustav Nyquist has gone 32 games without a goal
- Vladislav Namestnikov stuck at 29 games without scoring
- Jonathan Toews goalless for 25 games
- Only the top line (Connor, Scheifele, Vilardi) and Josh Morrissey producing consistently
Luke Schenn Open to Trade
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, veteran defenseman Luke Schenn would be open to a trade from the struggling Jets.
Why Schenn Makes Sense as Trade Bait
| Schenn’s Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 36 |
| Games Played | 1,100+ career |
| Contract | $2.75M AAV (expiring) |
| Stanley Cups | 2 (Tampa Bay 2020, 2021) |
| Current Role | Healthy scratch in 4 of last 8 games |
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston ranked Schenn No. 8 on his trade board, noting he’ll “carry value as a right-shot defenseman ideally suited for third-pairing duty.”
Schenn has been traded at the deadline in two of the last three seasons, so this wouldn’t be new territory for the veteran blueliner.
Jonathan Toews: A Playoff Rental Target
The 37-year-old Jonathan Toews has been solid for the Jets despite the team’s struggles. He’s a wizard in the faceoff circle and remains defensively sound—exactly what playoff teams look for in a third-line center.
Toews Trade Profile
- Stats: 3 goals, 12 points in 39 games
- Cap Hit: $2 million
- Contract Status: Full no-movement clause
- Fit: Perfect for any team seeking playoff experience
One intriguing possibility? Toews reuniting with Patrick Kane on the first-place Detroit Red Wings for a playoff run.
Logan Stanley Having Career Season
Defenseman Logan Stanley is having the best season of his career at the perfect time:
- 7 goals and 13 points in 40 games
- $1.25M AAV contract expiring
- Will be UFA this summer
Stanley, 27, could fetch a decent return from contenders looking to add size on the blue line before the deadline.
Cheveldayoff Not Ready to Rebuild
Despite the historic collapse, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has made it clear: the Jets are not blowing it up.
“We’re not punting on this season,” Cheveldayoff has emphasized.
The front office believes the core that won 56 games last season is still capable of turning things around. With nine of the next 11 games at Canada Life Centre, they’re hoping a heavy home stretch can reset the narrative.
Trade Assets Available
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Jets have assets to work with:
- Brad Lambert – Former first-round pick, 22 years old
- Ville Heinola – Defensive prospect
- Draft picks – Though Cheveldayoff admits they’ve felt the “opportunity cost” of dealing picks recently
Connor Hellebuyck Returns from Injury
One bright spot for Winnipeg: Connor Hellebuyck has returned from his knee procedure. The reigning Hart Trophy winner and Vezina-caliber goaltender is the backbone this team needs.
With Hellebuyck healthy, the Jets at least have their MVP back in net—though the team went 2-7-1 in his absence.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The March 6th trade deadline looms large for Winnipeg. The next few weeks will determine whether this becomes:
- A salvage job – Minor moves to stay competitive
- A bigger teardown – Trading veterans for futures
With core stars still in their prime and Hellebuyck anchoring the crease, don’t count out the Jets just yet. But if the losing continues, expect Cheveldayoff to take a different approach and start moving pieces.
The Bottom Line
The Winnipeg Jets went from the league’s best to worst in stunning fashion. Now, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff faces a critical decision: stand pat and hope for a second-half surge, or start trading veterans like Luke Schenn, Jonathan Toews, and Logan Stanley for assets.
One thing is certain—it’s time for a different approach in Winnipeg.
