The Winnipeg Jets, struggling near the bottom of the NHL standings this season after capturing the Presidents’ Trophy last year, are clearly planning significant roster changes before the March 6, 2026 trade deadline. With hopes of reigniting their season fading, the Jets are considering trades or allowing several players to depart via free agency to reshape their lineup.
Backup Goaltender Eric Comrie Could Be on the Move
Eric Comrie has served as a competent backup to Connor Hellebuyck over the past couple of seasons, showing stronger form last year than this one. However, his difficult stint as the starting goalie in November and December—while Hellebuyck recovered from an arthroscopic knee surgery—once again confirmed he is not ready to be a number-one netminder. Despite this, some playoff contenders might seek additional goaltending depth, making Comrie a potential trade candidate.
The Jets’ developing prospects Domenic DiVincentiis and Thomas Milic have impressed with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League, and with playoff chances slim, the Jets may promote these youngsters by moving Comrie before the deadline. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who has acquired Comrie multiple times—including drafting him in 2013 and signing him again in 2024—could try to bring him back as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason if needed.
Declining Offense from Vladislav Namestnikov Raises Trade Possibilities
Since joining the Jets in 2023, Vladislav Namestnikov has been a dependable and flexible role player, but his offensive production has fallen sharply this season. At 33 years old, his stats show just seven goals and six assists with a minus-10 rating across 55 games, down from more impressive totals of 38 and 37 points in recent seasons. This suggests his best years might be behind him, and with a $3 million cap hit valid through next season, the Jets would benefit from moving his contract to clear salary space.
Gustav Nyquist’s Struggles Make Him a Trade Target
The contract for Gustav Nyquist, carrying a $3.25 million cap hit, has proven to be an expensive misstep for the Jets management. The 36-year-old veteran, previously a solid scorer just two seasons ago, has failed to find the net this season and recorded only nine assists in 35 games. Since December, Nyquist has often been a healthy scratch and, when active, usually plays on the fourth line.
“David Pagnotta: Re Jets trade deadline: Whether it’s Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley or Tanner Pearson or, they’re gonna try to move Gustav Nyquist – The Sheet (2/13)”?David Pagnotta, NHL Rumour Report
Originally seen as a stop-gap to offset the loss of production from Nikolaj Ehlers, Nyquist’s time with the team has been disappointing. Although any return from his trade would be modest, general manager Cheveldayoff should accept whatever value is offered for this pending unrestricted free agent.
Tanner Pearson’s Limited Impact May Lead to Departure
Tanner Pearson has contributed utility minutes within the Jets’ bottom-six forwards but has fallen short offensively, tallying only ten points with seven goals and three assists across 47 games this season. After peaking with 27 points last year with Vegas and hitting a career high of 45 points in Vancouver during 2019-20, Pearson looks to be declining like other veterans on the roster. Despite a potentially limited trade return, some contenders might appreciate his 59 games of playoff experience and his Stanley Cup-winning background from 2014 with Los Angeles.
Logan Stanley’s Emerging Offensive Skills May Attract Interest
Logan Stanley has been playing better than ever, delivering career-high offensive production with nine goals and nine assists in 55 games. He has moved into the top-four defensemen grouping at times and is currently leading the second power-play unit in the absence of injured Colin Miller and Neal Pionk. Stanley’s powerful slap shots combined with his size and physicality make him attractive to teams seeking defensive depth for playoff runs.
Despite these positives, Stanley’s defensive and possession statistics remain subpar, consistent with his entire six-season career. With his contract nearing unrestricted free agency, Cheveldayoff should consider trading Stanley while his offensive surge boosts his value.
Luke Schenn’s Experience Brings Mixed Results but Trade Interest
Acquired at the 2025 trade deadline to add veteran presence and toughness on the blue line, 36-year-old Luke Schenn performed adequately late last season but has struggled this year. His decline is evident as he often commits turnovers and lacks the mobility required at the NHL level. Nevertheless, Schenn’s Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021 with Tampa Bay, along with his physical style of play and extensive NHL career of over 1,100 games, may draw interest from teams looking to bolster their defense before the postseason.
Recent trade rumors have connected Schenn with the Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues, the latter team captained by his younger brother Brayden Schenn.
Jonathan Toews’ Time in Winnipeg Has Not Met Expectations
Despite considerable excitement surrounding Jonathan Toews’ signing with his hometown Jets, the move has largely been unsuccessful. The 38-year-old, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has struggled to regain form following a two-year health-related absence. His impact has often been negligible or even detrimental, though he briefly improved after Christmas. In 56 games, Toews has recorded only 19 points and carries a minus-17 rating.
Pursuing a trade would be an acknowledgment by Cheveldayoff that the high-profile acquisition did not yield the hoped-for results. Toews likely wants to join a contender soon, aiming for a fourth Stanley Cup rather than spending the final years of his career with a struggling team. Removing his sizeable contract, which includes substantial bonuses for games played, could also relieve the team’s salary cap burden.
The Importance of Making Decisive Moves Before the Deadline
As the Winnipeg Jets face a disappointing season, the upcoming 2026 trade deadline represents a critical opportunity for the organization to retool and build for the future. Moving on from veteran players like Eric Comrie, Vladislav Namestnikov, Gustav Nyquist, Tanner Pearson, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, and Jonathan Toews offers the Jets a chance to clear cap space, develop promising prospects, and infuse new energy into the roster.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s decisions now will influence the team’s direction for the remainder of the season and beyond, providing playoff contenders the chance to acquire experienced players while the Jets focus on long-term rebuilding. With several pending unrestricted free agents involved, it will be vital for the Jets to negotiate wisely to maximize returns and position themselves better for future success.
David Pagnotta: Re Jets trade deadline: Whether it's Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley or Tanner Pearson or, they're gonna try to move Gustav Nyquist – The Sheet (2/13)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 16, 2026
The #GoAvsGo are one of the teams linked to #NHLJets defenceman Luke Schenn, per David Pagnotta.
Schenn, 36, has one goal and five assists in 42 games this season. pic.twitter.com/S7guL1QZq0
— Jets Empire (@JetsEmpir3) February 8, 2026
Nick Kypreos: Re Brayden Schenn: The rumours continue that he and brother Luke are hoping to come together in a new destination – Sportsnet (2/2)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 5, 2026
