The Winnipeg Jets face a challenging offseason as they prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season. They need to address numerous roster spots, re-sign key restricted and unrestricted free agents, and explore new acquisitions in free agency. The team’s projected cap space stands at $13,352,976, with $2.75 million in dead cap space.
**Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs):**
1. **Tyler Toffoli**: Acquired at the trade deadline, Toffoli scored 11 points in 18 regular-season games and added two goals in five playoff games. At 32, he will likely test the free-agent market due to his expected high price tag.
2. **Sean Monahan**: Monahan joined in February and notched 24 points in 34 games. With a desire to stay in Winnipeg, he might re-sign if a reasonable deal is reached. However, other teams could offer more.
3. **Brendan Dillon**: Dillon had a career-high season with 20 points and a plus-20 rating. His physical style makes him valuable, but the Jets may not afford his likely high salary demands.
4. **Dylan DeMelo**: DeMelo excelled with a career-high 31 points and a plus-46 rating. He’s a priority for the Jets, especially as he partners with Josh Morrissey. Despite his wish to stay, other lucrative offers could lure him away.
5. **Colin Miller**: Acquired mid-season, Miller contributed modestly but remains a reliable depth defenseman. His future with the Jets depends on whether other key defensemen re-sign.
6. **Laurent Brossoit**: Brossoit had a stellar season with a 2.00 GAA and a .927 save percentage. He might depart unless he accepts a deal similar to last year’s, as the Jets look to integrate younger goaltenders like Thomas Milic.
7. **Collin Delia**: Delia provided depth and stability but will likely move on if better opportunities arise, especially with younger goalies expected to step up.
**Restricted Free Agents (RFAs):**
1. **Cole Perfetti**: The 22-year-old had a breakout season with 38 points. Negotiations might be tough due to his agent’s reputation, but Perfetti’s potential makes him a key future asset for the Jets.
2. **David Gustafsson**: Gustafsson played 39 games, scoring seven points. His future with the Jets is uncertain, but he remains a valuable depth player.
3. **Logan Stanley**: Stanley showed late-season improvement, playing in the playoffs. His development has been slow, and while he might seek a larger role, the Jets hope to retain him for his potential.
**Predicted Retentions and Departures:**
– **Staying**: Monahan, Gustafsson, DeMelo, Miller, and Stanley.
– **Leaving**: Toffoli, Perfetti, Dillon, Brossoit, and Delia.
**Potential Promotions from Manitoba Moose:**
1. **Parker Ford**: After a solid AHL season, Ford may get a chance in the NHL, especially with his promising development.
2. **Nikita Chibrikov**: Scored 47 points in the AHL and had a successful NHL debut. Expected to join the Jets full-time.
3. **Brad Lambert**: Another young star, Lambert had 55 points and played in the NHL’s final game of the season.
4. **Ville Heinola**: Expected to make the NHL roster after an injury-plagued season.
5. **Kyle Capobianco**: Dominated in the AHL and likely to become a depth defenseman for the Jets.
6. **Thomas Milic**: Following a strong season in both the AHL and ECHL, Milic is set for NHL action as a backup to Connor Hellebuyck.
The Jets’ offseason will be pivotal in shaping their future, balancing re-signing key players and integrating promising young talent.
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