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Seven former Jets named to preliminary 2026 Alumni Game roster
Photo credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
By Evan Waldner
Jan 20, 2026, 19:38 EST
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The Winnipeg Jets held a press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s puck drop at Canada Life Centre against the St. Louis Blues, unveiling the preliminary roster for the 2026 Alumni Game this fall as part of the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic weekend between the Jets and Montreal Canadiens.
Former Jets captain Blake Wheeler and Habs captain Mike Keane took the stage wearing their team jerseys with the “C,” confirming they will serve as captains for their respective alumni squads. The Canadiens’ alumni roster was announced first:
- Mike Keane
- Dale Wiese
- Paul Byron
- David Desharnais
- Patrice Brisebois
- David Savard
The Jets then revealed their roster, featuring some longtime fan favourites returning to the ice:
- Blake Wheeler
- Andrew Ladd
- Bryan Little
- Mathieu Perreault
- Paul Stastny
- Chris Thorburn
- Dustin Byfuglien
The Jets also shared a montage that’s sure to take fans down memory lane, with a special surprise at the end.
“There will be a ton of excitement for him. It’s a great opportunity for him to just feel the love for him in this city,” Wheeler said about Byfuglien. “Something I think everyone will look forward to, is kind of what (Little) had last year, being able to come back and receive the love they deserve. It’ll be a good moment for him.”
There’s also a format change this year. Unlike the 2016 Heritage Classic, when the Alumni Game and Heritage Classic were held at Princess Auto Stadium (formerly IG Field), this year’s Alumni Game will take place at Canada Life Centre on Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by the Heritage Classic between the Jets and Canadiens on Sunday, Oct. 25. The 2026 Alumni Game will be part of the 2026-27 season, with Season Ticket Members receiving priority access to secure tickets in the coming weeks.