It seems like the Winnipeg Jets, who are a very well constructed team we might add, are going all in on 2024-25. Today we bring you our NHL rumours from The Peg and that the fact that the Jets are buyers this trade deadline season. Analysts are saying they will look at all possible angles, from a little extra punch, right down to a depth defenceman.
Dreger on the Jets (Insider Trading): "For the right fit I think Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets are willing to spend, I mean everything from Brock Nelson to a depth forward up front to a quality, experienced d-man, I mean everything is on the table"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 4, 2025
NHL Trade Deadline Rumours are Real for the Winnipeg Jets
For the source of our rumours, Darren Dreger says if the skate fits, they’re willing to play ball. The biggest name he mentions, that is known to be on the trade board is Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders. Furthermore, bringing in Nelson is a big move. If general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is willing to go after a big fish like him, who knows what else might be at play if something like that falls through the wayside.
Additionally, Dreger mentioned the Jets might even explore a depth defenceman. That was something Elliotte Friedman alluded to earlier this week on 32 Thoughts the Podcast. So, needless to say, everything is in play. They just want a hockey deal that improves their team. And when you are as strong as the Jets are this year, they are looking to go over the top. That brings up the questions, on how to add a piece that is an improvement. Who do you give up? But also, how do you add a piece that doesn’t disrupt the obvious chemistry within the lineup? It is a challenge to tinker for the better, especially so far along into a very successful season.
Looking Where a Move Makes Sense
The Jets really are a great team. They’re first in the NHL with a power play that’s above 30%. Also, they are third in goals-for and first in goals-against. However, their penalty kill is middle of the pack and they aren’t a great faceoff team. Maybe it’s those little details they could find possibilities among the NHL trade rumours. That’s why Nelson makes sense.
On top of that, the Jets have their first-round pick from the next three drafts available. Cheveldayoff is a very savvy manager and is looking to plug some holes, and does have some (albeit limited) trade bait. Some of the available defencemen that Friedman pondered over were Jamie Oleksiak, Mario Ferraro, and Rasmus Ristolainen. Basically indicating that the Jets will try for the big guns. They do a great job of balancing the books in Winnipeg and Cheveldayoff is a huge reason why that is so.
The other angle is who might be available that is a strong piece. It is possible they trade someone on soon-to-be expiring contracts like Alex Iafallo, Neal Pionk, and Nikolaj Ehlers. Now those players are such key members of the lineup, so it would be difficult to imagine trading them. However, if the Jets are going all-in, and a big fish is available from the frozen lakes of the trade deadline pool, it really is anybody’s guess what will ultimately shake down.
Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
