With the NHL trade deadline approaching and the playoff picture growing increasingly bleak, the Winnipeg Jets appear poised to shift into seller mode.
The Jets currently sit ten points out of a playoff spot, and the gap could widen further given a challenging upcoming schedule that features matchups against the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks. As the losses have mounted, so too has speculation that Winnipeg will begin moving pieces with an eye toward the future.
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That speculation gained traction this week following comments from Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman on Friday’s episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast. Friedman revealed that, according to one source, the Jets and the Detroit Red Wings have a “match” when it comes to a potential trade.
While Friedman emphasized that he was unaware of the exact framework of a possible deal, he suggested the discussions could involve defensemen Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley.
Detroit is well positioned to engage in trade talks, boasting significant draft capital and a deep prospect pool. Those assets could make it relatively easy for the Red Wings to put together a competitive offer for either Stanley or Schenn.
The Red Wings have reportedly been prioritizing players with term on the open market, but they could still have interest in Stanley, a 27-year-old blueliner who may fit their long-term plans. Should he prove to be a good fit in Detroit, the organization could look to negotiate an extension following a trade.
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Regardless of whether a deal materializes with the Red Wings, the growing number of rumors around Winnipeg’s roster has created a clear sense that the Jets are preparing to pivot. With postseason hopes fading, the organization appears increasingly focused on selling at the deadline and retooling for next season rather than chasing a long-shot playoff push.
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