With RFA Dylan Samberg likely to re-sign sometime this week, it might seem like the Winnipeg Jets‘ defence is set for the 2025–26 season. But a closer look at the bottom pairing reveals there’s still work to be done.

The top four—Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, Neal Pionk, and Dylan Samberg—are locked in and are untouchable. The third pairing, however, is more of a revolving door, currently featuring a crowded group: Luke Schenn (RHD), Logan Stanley (LHD), Haydn Fleury (LHD), Ville Heinola (LHD), Colin Miller (RHD), and potentially Elias Salomonsson (RHD).

On paper, the Jets have plenty of left-handed defencemen, but quantity doesn’t equal quality. The only left-shot blueliner I’d be comfortable with on the bottom pairing is Haydn Fleury—yet even he isn’t a long-term solution. As for Stanley, the time has come to move on. His development has plateaued, and clearing his cap hit would be a bonus. Luke Schenn might fall into the same category—his best days are behind him, and the Jets could use the space more wisely. Ville Heinola? At this point, it’s hard to see a path forward for him in Winnipeg. He’s buried in the depth chart, and his trade value has never been lower.

If the Jets want to stabilize their third pairing, they should take a hard look at Sharks defenceman Mario Ferraro.

Ferraro, 26, skated in 78 games last season with San Jose, recording five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. He logged tough minutes on the Sharks’ top pairing alongside Timothy Liljegren and played a key role on the penalty kill. He brings a dependable, defensive-minded presence the Jets could use on that left side.

What would a trade look like? This could be the perfect opportunity to finally move on from Logan Stanley. A package of Stanley and a third-round pick might be enough to get talks going. With Ferraro signed through 2026–27 at a reasonable $3.25M AAV, he’d bring both stability and cost certainty to the Jets’ blue line.

It’s time for Winnipeg to clear out their cluttered third pairing. Bringing in Ferraro would be a step in the right direction.