Winnipeg Jets’ Free Agent Focus…

With free agency about a month away, NHL teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, are preparing for the upcoming market. Several significant players will be available in July, and many teams need to re-sign key restricted free agents (RFAs). Here’s an overview of the Jets’ free agent situation.

 Key Restricted Free Agents

D Ville Heinola – Heinola’s season didn’t go as planned due to a fractured ankle during training camp, which kept him out until January. Upon his return, he was productive with AHL Manitoba but didn’t get called up. Next season, Heinola will be waiver-eligible, making it unlikely he’ll stay in the minors. He might accept his $874K qualifying offer, even with a $70K AHL salary, to secure his NHL spot.

F Cole Perfetti – Perfetti improved offensively this season with 19 goals and 19 assists in 71 games. However, he spent crucial games in the press box, ending the season on a low note. A bridge deal, likely around $3M per year, seems sensible for both sides rather than a long-term agreement.

D Logan Stanley – Stanley was a frequent healthy scratch this season, playing just 28 games and averaging less than 14 minutes per night. With a $1M qualifying offer and arbitration rights, the Jets might offer him a one-year deal at a similar price, either from Winnipeg or another team.

Other RFAs: F David Gustafsson, D Artemi Kniazev, D Simon Lundmark, G Oskari Salminen

Key Unrestricted Free Agents…

G Laurent Brossoit – Returning to Winnipeg worked well for Brossoit, who posted a 2.00 GAA and .927 SV% in 23 games. His performance should earn him a raise from $1.75M to closer to $3M, pricing him out of the Jets’ budget.

D Dylan DeMelo** – DeMelo had his best season with 31 points and nearly 22 minutes of ice time per game. His performance and right-shot status will boost his market value. He could secure a contract similar to his previous four-year, $12M deal, but with a higher annual salary.

D Brenden Dillon – Known for his dependable physical play, Dillon logged significant minutes for the Jets. While Winnipeg may move on to make room for Heinola, Dillon should attract a solid market and could secure a contract around his current $3.9M AAV.

F Sean Monahan – Monahan, acquired for a first-round pick, fit well on the Jets’ second line, playing a league-high 83 games with 26 goals and 33 points. Despite his injury history, his market should be strong, potentially earning him a multi-year deal over $4M annually, possibly reaching $5M.

F Tyler Toffoli – Toffoli maintained his goal production with 33 goals this season. At 32, he should have a robust market and could secure a contract around $6M annually, similar in length to his previous four-year deal.

Other UFAs: D Kyle Capobianco, G Collin Delia, F Jeff Malott, D Colin Miller, F Kristian Reichel, D Ashton Sautner, F Jeffrey Viel

 Projected Cap Space…

The Jets have about $13M in cap space, insufficient to retain all key players. They might afford to keep one of their defensemen, likely DeMelo, and one forward, either Monahan or Toffoli. This assumes Perfetti signs a shorter-term deal.

The Jets will also need a low-cost backup for Connor Hellebuyck, whose new seven-year, $59.5M contract starts in July. Re-signing RFAs and adding a cheaper backup could be the extent of GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s moves this summer.