The Winnipeg Jets remain at the top of the NHL standings with a near perfect 11-1-0 record. This is only the 8th time in NHL history that an NHL team has won 11 of their first 12 games. As the team prepares to continue their 4 game home stand against Utah tomorrow at 7 pm CT, today the attention turns to an update on the Jets prospects.

You may or may not have been keeping up to date with how some of the future Jets are doing in their respective leagues, but it’s hard to do sometimes, especially when the Jets are doing so well. There’s a handful of Jets prospects that are impressing in the Canadian Hockey League, and a few that are off to solid starts in their pro leagues, whether that be in North America or abroad.

It’s still way to early to declare a winner on the 1 for 1 Rutger McGroarty for Brayden Yager trade. Nonetheless, the Jets have to be happy with how Yager continues to improve his game with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.

While Yager didn’t make the Jets this year (as opposed to McGroarty making the Penguins at first), he’s still living up to his 14th overall potential in his 5th and final season in the juniors. Yager doesn’t turn 20 until January 3rd, 2025, so he couldn’t play in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose this season, but he will likely join them at the end of his WHL season.

In 13 games this season, Yager has 8 goals and 9 assist for 17 points. Yager appears to be a lock for the Canadian World Juniors team this winter, and he’ll be looking to be a top player in that tournament. Yager is a player to continue to watch in the juniors this season, and there’s lots of optimism that he will be able to join the NHL as early as next season.

The Jets have got to be feeling they did well with their 4th round, 109th overall pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft. Kevin He, one of the 1st Chinese-born players to be drafted in the NHL, is off to a terrific 3rd season with the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs. In 15 games, He has scored 12 goals (tied for 3rd best in the league) and has 11 assists for 23 points.

He was named the IceDogs 19th captain in their franchise history in late October. The team honoured He not just because of his skill, but because of his hard work on the ice and how he strives to lead by example. He has helped the IceDogs to an impressive 11 and 4 start to the season. It will still be 2 or 3 years before He makes the jump to the NHL, but all the early signs are showing that the Jets found a good one in the 4th round.

Perhaps another hidden gem from the 2024 NHL draft was the Jets 6th round pick, Kieron Walton. The 187th overall pick is currently playing in his 3rd season with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. In 15 games, Walton has 6 goals and 13 assists for 19 points. What has stood out about Walton is his creative style of play as a two way power forward. The 6 foot 5″ forward will continue to work on his strengths, including his vision and passing skills, in hopes of making the leap to the pros in a few years time.

Of course you can’t forget the Jets 1st selection made in the 2024 NHL draft, the 2nd round 37th overall pick which was Alfons Freij. The Swedish defender is currently in his 1st season at the Swedish 1st division (a step up from the Swedish Junior league) and has 4 points in 13 games. It may be difficult to get an in-depth analysis of Freij’s progression until later in the season, but for now he remains another good prospect to monitor.

2023 1st round pick Colby Barlow had a strong pre season for the Jets, and has carried that play back in the Juniors. Barlow was moved to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, and has posted 7 points in 13 games. It might not be the perfect start for Barlow, but he’s adapting to a new team. Barlow, much like Yager, is projected to be an impactful player at the 2025 World Juniors with Canada. This powerful forward is strong on his feet and is a mature goal scoring winger with an elite shooting ability that the Jets could see in the near future.

Perhaps the current top prospect for the Jets, Brad Lambert, is off to a solid start with the Manitoba Moose. After nearly making the Jets opening night roster, Lambert is looking to impress in his 2nd season at the pro level. In 8 games, Lambert has 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points. The traits that make Lambert a very promising prospect is his dynamic skating abilities paired with his great puck-handling and overall scoring ability. If the Jets get into some injury trouble this season, Lambert should currently be the 2nd or 3rd option available for the Jets to call up to the main roster.

Stay tuned tomorrow afternoon for pre and post game articles on the Jets 1st ever game against the Utah Hockey Club, including a pre game show by Angus on our JetsNation Instagram page.