The countdown for Winnipeg Jets regular season hockey is now closing in on 40 days. A few days ago, on August 26th, the Winnipeg Jets posted a set of photos that brought a smile to many Jets fans. Adam Lowry was back on the ice. After undergoing a successful hip surgery in late May, Lowry was given an expected timeline of a 5-6 month rehabilitation. While Lowry will still miss the start of the regular season, it’s an encouraging sign to see him on the ice, indicating that no major setbacks have occurred. With that news in mind, Adam Lowry is the focus for the finale of the “goals and expectations” series that has been going on here at Jets Nation over the past month. What should we expect from the Winnipeg Jets Captain when he returns to the lineup?

Adam Lowry marked his name in Winnipeg Jets history when he was named the Jets Captain on September 12th, 2023. Last season, Lowry scored a goal that Jets fans will remember forever, the double overtime winning goal against the St. Louis Blues in game 7 of their round 1 playoff matchup. Not long after the Jets season came to an end, Lowry had hip surgery. His timeline of 5-6 months suggests that Lowry will be out for the first “portion” of the regular season. Whether that’s 5, 10 or 15+ games is still unclear, but it will be intriguing to see how the Jets alter their lineup during Lowry’s absence and after his return.

Lowry finished the 2024-25 season as the Jets player with the 9th most points. In 73 games, Lowry scored 16 goals and 18 assists for 34 points. The Captain has been a member of the Jets his whole career since being drafted by them back in the 3rd round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Lowry began his career with the Jets in a “basic” bottom six role, averaging roughly 20 points a season. In the 2022-23 season, Lowry started having a more noticeable role and impact with the Jets, and he collected a career high 36 points in 82 games. Two seasons later, Lowry is the perfect fit as the Jets current 3rd line centre, providing a perfect mix of secondary scoring, leadership skills and strong defensive play when needed. Upon Lowry’s return this season, what should be expected from him following a significant off-season surgery?

It’s a pretty safe assumption to say that Lowry will play in 60-70 regular season games in the 2025-26 season. Lowry has averaged 35 points in his last three seasons, so even with a shortened season he should be able to push for 30 points. The Jets 3rd line before and after Lowry returns will likely be somewhat different, but it’s a matter of how much that line can provide secondary scoring. Lowry will need some time to get back into a groove following hip surgery, but everyone is hoping he’ll be able to resume his various important roles as soon as possible.

The wildcard that could impact Adam Lowry’s season is Jonathan Toews. The Jets are hoping that Toews will be a 2nd line centre, but if he’s not able to succeed in that role, what will the Jets do? Vladislav Namestnikov can play at centre or on the wing, but Lowry has been a centre his whole career. This could cause some various lineup options for the Jets, which will hopefully not impact Lowry’s production. If Lowry’s roles (on the ice) are diminished, it may lead to him having a “down” year.

Even with a shortened season, Lowry could still reach the 35 point mark on the season. The Jets bottom six should be more balanced this season than in prior seasons, which benefits Adam Lowry’s play style. Last season Lowry set a career high in goals with 16, and this season I think Lowry could aim for a new career high in assists. Lowry collected 23 assists in a season twice in his career, and I could see Lowry reaching 25 assists in a shortened season when he may not shoot the puck as much after his return from hip surgery.

Captain Adam Lowry will be welcomed back hopefully sooner than later in the 2025-26 season. Aside from being the Captain, Lowry is such an important part of this Jets team who will aiming for a long playoff run again this upcoming season. From leadership skills, to his continuing improvements on both ends of the ice, Lowry is ready to make an impact when he gets the “all clear” to return to the Winnipeg Jets lineup.