The 2024-25 NHL season was an unforgettable ride for the Winnipeg Jets and their fans. They took home the Presidents’ Trophy, set new franchise records, Connor Hellebuyck won both the Hart and the Vezina, and of course, the “Manitoba Miracle”—when Cole Perfetti tied Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues with just 1.6 seconds left.

But no matter how special last season was, time moves on. We’re now less than two months away from pre-season puck drop, so let’s take a look ahead and make some predictions for the upcoming season. Some of these could age really well… or blow up in my face. Let’s dive in.

1. Jonathan Toews puts up 40+ points and locks down the second-line centre role

The biggest story of the offseason? Easy—Jonathan Toews is back, and he’s a Winnipeg Jet. No one saw this coming. Toews hasn’t played in two years while dealing with chronic inflammatory response syndrome, and it felt like his career might’ve been over. But he’s confirmed he’s ready, and now he’s coming home.

I don’t think Toews is just coming back to try—I think he’s going to make an impact. I’ve got him putting up 40+ points and locking down that second-line centre role.

He’s one of the best faceoff guys the league has ever seen—he’s never been below 53% in his entire career. His best season at the dot came in 2022-23, his last one, when he finished at 63.1%.

I don’t expect him to start out as 2C right away—he’ll probably begin on the fourth line and work his way up—but I do think he’ll pick up where he left off. If he stays healthy, he’s still got a lot left to give.

2. Jets finish second in the Central Division

Even after losing Ehlers and a couple of depth guys, I still see the Jets as contenders. I don’t think they drop out of the top three in the Central. It’ll be a battle between the Dallas Stars, Jets, and Colorado Avalanche for the top spots. And don’t sleep on the Utah Mammoth—I think they could surprise people too.

In my mind, the Jets finish second behind Dallas. Colorado takes third, which would set up a spicy first-round rematch between Winnipeg and the Avalanche

It might not be another Presidents’ Trophy year, but if they can figure out that second-line centre role (which I think Toews can solve), they’re still a serious Cup threat.

3. Connor Hellebuyck wins his third-straight Vezina

Yep, I’m calling it—Hellebuyck is taking home his fourth Vezina and third in a row. Why? Because he’s still the best goalie in the league, and there’s no sign of him slowing down.

Last season, he was on another level:

2.00 GAA (1st)
47 wins (1st)
8 shutouts (1st)
.925 SV% (2nd)

He was rock solid all year long.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—playoffs. And yeah, round one was rough. Helle got pulled in all three games in St. Louis and gave up 16 goals in that stretch. It was easily the worst postseason performance we’ve seen from him.

But give him credit—he bounced back in round two. Two shutouts and a .905 save percentage. The Jets didn’t move on, but Hellebuyck played way better.

Regular season? He’s elite. And that’s what the Vezina is based on. So yeah, give the man another one.

4. Cole Perfetti breaks out and hits 60+ points

Cole Perfetti is coming off a career year and heading into a contract season. Sounds like a breakout waiting to happen.

He played all 82 games last year and put up 50 points (18G, 32A). Then in the playoffs, he added 6 points (3G, 3A) in 13 games.

Now with Ehlers gone and a new contract on the line, I think this is the year Perfetti hits that 60-point mark. He’s gotten stronger, he’s using his size better, and he’s winning more puck battles along the boards. That makes him more effective at both ends of the ice.

His confidence keeps growing, and with more ice time and responsibility, 60 points feels very reachable.

5. Nikita Chibrikov proves himself as a solid third-liner

This one ties into my most recent article—why Chibrikov deserves a real shot with the Jets this fall.

The bottom six has some question marks heading into the season. Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev are both gone, and the third-line right wing spot is up for grabs. I think Chibrikov should get that shot.

Every time he’s been called up, he’s shown something. He’s got offensive skill, he’s gritty, and he’s not afraid to battle despite being just 5-foot-10. He’ll need to bring that same edge consistently, especially along the boards—but he’s been close to a point-per-game player in limited NHL time.

Give him the chance, and I think he proves himself as a reliable third-liner this season.

Final thoughts

The 2025-26 season should be another fun one for the Jets and their fans. Between Toews’ comeback and watching the best goalie in the world, there’s a lot to be excited about.

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