What Happened
The Winnipeg Jets finalized their 23-man roster on Monday, assigning rookie centre Brayden Yager to the AHL's Manitoba Moose. The move leaves the club with 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies. Unlike last season, when pre-season injuries to Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg disrupted their starts, the Jets enter October with their optimal lineup. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has five years remaining on his contract, continues to hold out for a trade.
Key Details
- Rookie centre Brayden Yager assigned to AHL's Manitoba Moose.
- Roster consists of 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goalies.
- Connor Hellebuyck is under contract for five more years and is holding out for a trade.
- Injured: forward Walker Duehr, defencemen Elias Salomonsson and Garrett Brown.
- Elias Salomonsson is eyeing a mid-October return and is expected to immediately join the lineup.
- Season opener is Friday against the Boston Bruins.
What It Means
The Jets avoided the injury setbacks that hurt their start last season, giving them a healthy lineup to open the year. However, Hellebuyck's trade request remains unresolved, and any return could significantly affect both the roster and the team's playoff chances. Winnipeg believes it can contend without him, but the situation adds uncertainty to an otherwise stable roster.
What's Next
The Jets open the regular season Friday against Boston. Salomonsson is expected to return by mid-October. Hellebuyck's trade situation remains unresolved.