With the 2025-26 NHL campaign upcoming, there are 41 Winnipeg Jets’ home games at Canada Life Centre—but let’s be real, not every single one is a must-watch. So, with that in mind, here are five matchups I’d definitely recommend keeping an eye on.

Home opener vs. Dallas Stars – October 9

This season, the Jets actually get to open at home. No road trip to start the year—just a good ol’ home game against the Dallas Stars, aka the team that sent us home in the second round of last year’s playoffs.

This one’s going to be a big one. Not just because it’s opening night, but because there’s some real unfinished business with the Stars. That playoff loss in six games still stings, especially with everything that happened with Mark Scheifele.

Also, let’s not forget: this could be the debut of Jonathan Toews in a Jets jersey. That’s gonna be a special moment.

Nikolaj Ehlers returns – November 21

Some fans will cheer, others might boo (there’s always at least one guy who does), but either way, it’s going to be strange seeing Ehlers in a different sweater.

He’ll be back in Winnipeg as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, who are once again expected to be a top-tier team. It’ll be emotional, and honestly, kind of cool—especially since Carolina only comes to town once a year. You don’t want to miss this one.

Maple Leafs come to town (and take over the building) – January 17

Let me just say it now: if you want to go to this game, buy your tickets sooner than later. Leafs games in Winnipeg sell out fast, and for good reason.

They make their only visit on a Saturday night, which means the building is going to be insane. I’ve been to a Jets-Leafs game at CLC before, and it honestly felt like an away game. So many Leafs jerseys, and after we lost 4–1, all I could hear walking back to the car was, “Go Leafs Go!” Nightmare fuel.

But hey—if the Jets win, it’s 10 times sweeter.

Blues back in town – January 20

Just three days after the Leafs game, we’ve got another juicy matchup: the St. Louis Blues return to Winnipeg for the first time since that wild first-round series.

That series went the distance, and there was no shortage of drama. Expect some carryover heat in this one, especially if both teams are battling for playoff spots again.

The champs visit – January 22

The defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champs, the Florida Panthers, roll into town right after the Blues game. Talk about a stacked homestand.

Florida’s fun to watch, and also super annoying to play against. Guys like Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand love to stir the pot, and who knows—maybe we’ll see Logan Stanley drop the gloves with one of them. That’d be something.

Plus, a few familiar faces return: Dmitry Kulikov, Paul Maurice, and Jamie Kompon.

Honourable mentions:

Utah’s first visit as the Mammoth – October 26
Utah was known as “Utah Hockey Club” last season, but they’ll be making their first trip to Winnipeg under the new “Mammoth” name. Should be interesting to see how the rebrand looks in person.
Connor Bedard comes to town – October 30
Bedard and Toews’ old team—the Chicago Blackhawks—pay a visit.
Sidney Crosby’s lone appearance – November 1
Might be one of the last times you’ll see Sid the Kid play in Winnipeg. Just saying.
McDavid, Draisaitl & the Oilers – December 29
Always a show when these guys come to town.

There are still a ton of exciting matchups this season, but these are the ones I’d highlight the most. If you can only make it to a few games, any of these would be solid picks.

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