Jets season preview: Scrambling to replace Hellebuyck in goal

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Winnipeg Jets.

Last season: 35-35-12, seventh in Central Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Scott Arniel (third season)

Biggest challenge

How do they replace goalie Connor Hellebuyck? All he's done the past 10 seasons is win the Vezina Trophy as the League's top goalie three times (2020, 2024, 2025), the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player (2025), and help Team USA win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But after announcing Aug. 27 that he had requested a trade away from the Jets "several months ago," Hellebuyck was suspended for not joining the team for training camp. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said the door remains open for Hellebuyck to return; he has five seasons remaining on his contract and Cheveldayoff said Sept. 17 that he remains "part of our family until he’s not part of our family." Stuart Skinner, who signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract ($3.75 million average annual value) on July 1, will have the first crack at the No. 1 job, but it will take more than one player to cover the absence of one of the top goalies of his generation.

How they make playoffs

The Jets will need to create more offense this season. With Mark Scheifele (36 goals, 103 points) and Kyle Connor (39 goals, 92 points), they were one of three teams (Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers) with two players with at least 35 goals and 90 points, but Gabriel Vilardi was the only other player with at least 15 goals and 60 points. If the Jets can get more offensive contributions from throughout the lineup, it could provide a cushion during whatever adjustment period is needed for the new goaltender.

Most intriguing addition

While all eyes will be on Skinner, defenseman Mario Ferraro could play a large role this season. The 28-year-old, who signed a three-year, $12 million contract ($4 million AAV) on July 1, set NHL career bests with seven goals and 23 points in 82 games with the San Jose Sharks last season. But his real impact will come with the added grit and competitiveness he should bring. Ferraro led San Jose defensemen in hits (137) and blocked shots (150) last season, numbers that would have led Winnipeg defensemen, and he's averaged 139 hits and 143 blocks each of the past six seasons.

Biggest potential surprise

Isak Rosen could start the season in a bottom-six role but has the talent to play himself up the lineup. The 23-year-old forward scored three goals in 21 games with the Jets last season after being acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres on March 6. He had 10 points (six goals, four assists) in 37 games total last season, his most extensive NHL experience since the Sabres selected him with the No. 14 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. His skating and offensive skill set stand out, and he could be poised to make a big breakthrough this season.

Ready to contribute

Viggo Bjorck was selected with the No. 8 pick of the 2026 NHL Draft and wasted little time making an impact, scoring a nice wraparound goal against the Montreal Canadiens in the first game of the NHL Prospect Challenge on Sept. 12. The 18-year-old forward already has experience playing against older competition, including 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 42 games with Djurgarden of the Swedish Hockey League last season, and six points (one goal, five assists) for Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. Bjorck hasn't been shy about wanting to play in the NHL this season, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him at center on the second line to open the season.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Gabriel Vilardi, F: He set NHL career highs in points (69), goals (30), assists (39), power-play goals (13; tied for 12th in NHL), shots on goal (150) and games played (82) last season. Vilardi, who’s scored at least 20 goals in four straight seasons, has seen an increase in goals, assists, power-play goals, average ice time and shots on goal in each of the past two seasons with the Jets. The 27-year-old is tied for 10th in the NHL in power-play goals (25) over the past two seasons combined and brings exposure to the elite forward duo of Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele at both 5-on-5 and on the power play. Per NHL EDGE stats, Vilardi was tied for eighth in the entire League in high-danger goals (23) last season and ranked highly among forwards in offensive zone start percentage (45.4; 97th percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (85; 96th percentile). Vilardi could continue to see an uptick in production and can far outperform his average draft position (146.0). -- Troy Perlowitz

Projected lineup

Kyle Connor -- Mark Scheifele -- Cole Perfetti

Alex Iafallo -- Viggo Bjorck -- Gabriel Vilardi

Morgan Barron -- Adam Lowry -- Nino Niederreiter

Isak Rosen -- Vladislav Namestnikov

Josh Morrissey -- Dylan DeMelo

Dylan Samberg -- Neal Pionk

Mario Ferraro -- Jack St. Ivany

Stuart Skinner 

Thomas Milic

Suspended: Connor Hellebuyck