Today Winnipeg Jets single game tickets and game packs went on sale to the public. That means we’re one step closer to NHL hockey, and we’re down to under 2 months to go before the Jets home opener against the Dallas Stars, as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season. I was looking back at some articles I wrote in late July and August last year, and I found one where I talked about “the 3 Jets players who have the most to prove in the upcoming season”. I decided to raise that topic again tonight, this time looking ahead at the 2025-26 season.

To save you some time, the players I talked about prior to last season were Cole Perfetti, Ville Heinola, Logan Stanley and an honourable mention to Vladislav Namestnikov. Perfetti stepped up last season with 50 points, and I have a feeling he’s in for an even better season ahead. Namestnikov had an overall solid year as the Jets 2nd line centre, and he’s the only one of these players returning to this topic, this time for a slightly different reason.

As for Ville Heinola and Logan Stanley, well they didn’t prove what I wanted them to prove last season, and they’re both expected to be on the outside looking in for that 3rd and final spot on the left side of the Jets blue line. It’s important to remember that my definition of “prove” here relates to my expectations for that given player, which will influence my outlook on what I want to see from that player in the 2025-26 season, notably in a positive way.

Fresh off signing a 3-year, $17.25 million contract, Samberg appears ready to prove that he was worthy of his new deal. Out of the three players (plus honourable mention) I will mention, he has the least amount to “prove” compared to the others. Last season Samberg recorded a career high 20 points in 60 games. 2024-25 was an overall successful season for Samberg, but I feel like he still has another level to his game which we haven’t seen yet.

Samberg proved last season that he’s a lock on the Jets 2nd defence pairing with Neal Pionk. This season, Samberg needs to prove that his new contract was justified. Samberg will be likely once again paired with Neal Pionk, who will also be entering the first year of a new “pricey” contract. I’m confident Samberg will prove himself again, taking another step this season and really showing the Jets and the league what he has to offer on both ends of the ice.

Last season I mentioned Namestinkov as an “honourable mention” for a player that has something to prove. After the Jets weren’t able to find a 2nd line centre, Namestnikov was tasked with that role right from the beginning of the season. Vladdy handled it pretty well all things considered, and the frequent trio of Cole Perfetti, Namestnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers worked quite well together to improve each others game. The beginning of the 2025-26 season the Jets will be without Adam Lowry, leaving a hole at the Jets centre position once again.

The Jets are hopeful that Jonathan Toews can return to form and be the Jets 2nd line centre, but whether or not Toews can do that there will still be lots of eyes on Namestnikov. Lucky for the Jets, Namestnikov is a player that can play in a variety of roles. This season Namestnikov will now need to prove that his versatilty can be an asset to the Jets as they figure out their “go to” lineup in the early part of the season.

Many Jets prospects who played with the Manitoba Moose last season had a “down” year after the team finished near last in the entire American Hockey League. Nikita Chibrikov remains a consensus top 5 Jets prospect, but among the top 5 he might be the most NHL ready as of right now. Chibrikov dealt with injuries last season, finishing with 18 points in 30 games with the Moose. The Jets gave Chibrikov another chance in the NHL last season, and he made the most of it. In 4 games, Chibrikov scored 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points. Chibrikov certainly looked ready, so now is the time for him to prove that he’s deserving and ready of a full time NHL spot.

You know historically that it’s been tough for Jets prospects to crack the opening night roster, but that could change this season. The Jets added some depth players in free agency to improve their lineup, but a player like Chibrikov could have a good traning camp and make his way right onto this team. I want to see Chibrikov prove that he’s ready for the show, and I’m confident that even if he doesn’t make the opening night roster, he will be one of the first players to be called up by the Jets, being once again ready to show what he does best at the NHL level.

The honorable mention this season goes to Morgan Barron. Quickly turning into a fan favourite for his hard working play style, Barron will have more to prove this upcoming season. Similar to Samberg, Barron signed a new contract this off-season, confident that he’s found a team that has the right role for him. Barron doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet, but it’s the other things that he does that he needs to continue to prove next season.

With Adam Lowry out to begin the season, Barron could see an elevated role within the Jets forward group. Barron needs to prove that he’s ready for this opportunity, and if he does it will make it difficult for the Jets to move him “down” in the lineup once Adam Lowry returns. I’m excited to see what Barron has to offer this season, and I’m confident he’s ready to prove why the Jets brought him back as an important member of their bottom six forward group.

Were any of these players a surprise to you? Is there a player who I should have mentioned? There might be a few more Jets who need to prove themselves in the 2025-26 season, but these three players should be on the radar for most Jets fans.