Jets alumni return to drop puck ahead of Heritage Classic

The Winnipeg Jets welcomed back some special alumni for the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.

Former Jets captains Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd, and legendary defenseman Dustin Byfuglien all made their way on to the Princess Auto Stadium ice in Winnipeg for the ceremonial pregame puck drop before the marquee outdoor game against the Montreal Canadiens.

The three fan favorites were joined by Jets forward Adam Lowry and Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson for the puck drop.

Wheeler played 897 games with the Jets during his 13 years with the team, Byfuglien spent nine seasons with the Jets, and Ladd played six years in Winnipeg.

Wheeler and Byfuglien played together to help push the Jets to the Western Conference Final in 2018, eventually losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

Byfuglien — who played both forward and defenseman during his career — holds the franchise record for goals by a defenseman with 122. He also holds their record for most points in a postseason with 16 (five goals, 11 assists) during that 2018 playoff run.