The Winnipeg Jets are now Dylan Samberg (54) days away from opening their 2026-27 NHL season at home against the Boston Bruins. The long days of the NHL off-season are getting closer to completion, as we can almost start looking ahead to the season ahead.

Today marks the beginning of a series that I’ve covered the past two off-seasons known as the “goals and expectations” series. It’s a series that will preview what to expect (and predict) from Jets players in the 2026-27 season, starting with a player that I’ve hardly talked about this off-season since the Jets signed him: Mario Ferraro.

The Jets most notable free agent signing that will get regular playing time is Ferraro, a 27-year old left-handed defenceman from Toronto. Ferraro was drafted 49th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. After playing two seasons of University hockey, Ferraro made his NHL debut with the Sharks in the 2019-20 season, and has been in the NHL with the Sharks ever since. Ferraro recorded a career high 23 points (7 goals and 16 assists) in 82 games in the 2025-26 season.

On July 1st, Ferraro was an unrestricted free agent, and the Jets signed the defensive defenceman to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million. Not only did Ferraro set a career high in points last season, he also recorded 150 blocked shots, and averaged 21 minutes of ice-time, which was third on the Sharks. Ferraro played over 277 minutes on the ice shorthanded, which led the Sharks. Ferraro had 137 hits in the 2025-26 season, and you can consistently see him trying to get into those “tough” areas behind the net.

With all of those stats and numbers in mind, what should Jets fans expect from Ferraro in the 2026-27 season? He’s a player that I haven’t mentioned nearly enough since the Jets signed him, but I believe he’ll be a great fit on the Jets blue line. Ferraro is projected to play on the left side of the Jets third pairing, and his defence partner at the beginning of the season could be a few different players until Elias Salomonsson returns from injury. Ferraro should have another 20 point season while being a regular member of the Jets penalty kill, whether that be on the 1st or 2nd unit.

One thing that is certain, Jets fans will get to see a new hard-working, physical, and energetic defenceman in the 2026-27 season. Ferraro also has some leadership qualities, having spent some time as the Sharks alternate captain. Despite being just 5’11” and 200 lbs, Ferraro plays a physical game, collecting high totals in hits, shot blocks, and other defensive stats. Ferraro is a workhorse and one of those “glue guys” to any team he’s on, and Jets fans should be excited about this new addition for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season.

The 2026 NHL off-season continues into the rest of August, as teams are still enjoying their last few weeks off before training camps begin in September. Stay tuned for more “goals and expectations” articles throughout the month as I’ll look at what to expect from 2026-27 Jets players throughout the lineup. Let us know on our socials if there’s a certain player you’d like us to cover next, as we want to make sure this series covers the players you want to know more about!

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