The Winnipeg Jets are staring at a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 2025–26 campaign. Just one year removed from capturing the Presidents’ Trophy, the Jets have taken a significant step back, hovering around the playoff bubble and struggling to find consistency in key areas of their lineup.
With a 29–29–12 record and sitting outside the Western Conference playoff picture, it has become increasingly clear that change is coming. Winnipeg’s current roster construction, particularly in the bottom six forward group, has not produced the depth scoring or defensive stability required to compete in a tight Central Division.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff now faces the task of retooling rather than rebuilding. The Jets still possess a strong core, but they need to reshape their supporting cast (From’ Winnipeg Jets are No. 20 in Scott Wheeler’s 2026 NHL prospect pool rankings’ – The Athletic, 3/21/2026), free up cap space, and address weaknesses on defense and in the backup goaltending role.
With that in mind, here are three players who stand out as potential trade candidates this offseason.
Brad Lambert: A Trade Chip With Upside
Brad Lambert remains one of the more intriguing pieces in the Jets organization. The 2022 first-round pick has shown flashes of high-end skill and offensive creativity, but he has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent NHL contributor.
Earlier this season, the Jets granted Lambert permission to explore trade opportunities, an indication that both sides may be open to a fresh start. While moving a young player with upside is never an easy decision, it could be a calculated risk that benefits both parties.
Lambert still carries value across the league due to his draft pedigree and offensive ceiling. For a team looking to take a chance on a young forward with top-six potential, he could be an attractive target. For Winnipeg, that opens the door to acquiring another young player in a similar situation, someone who may benefit from a change of scenery and better fits the team’s immediate needs.
Related: Jets’ Salomonsson Proving He Belongs in the NHL
This type of “hockey trade” could help the Jets rebalance their prospect pool while addressing gaps in their lineup. Whether that’s a defensively responsible forward, a depth centre, or even a young defenseman, Lambert’s value gives Winnipeg flexibility.
Ultimately, moving Lambert would not be about giving up on his potential, it would be about maximizing it in a way that better aligns with the Jets’ timeline to compete.
Nino Niederreiter: Veteran Depth With Trade Appeal
Nino Niederreiter represents a different kind of trade candidate. The 33-year-old winger has been a reliable middle-six presence, bringing size, experience, and a net-front scoring touch.
However, with Winnipeg looking to get younger and faster in its bottom six, Niederreiter could become expendable.
He is entering the final year of his contract in 2026–27, making him an appealing option for contending teams seeking veteran depth. His ability to play a physical, straightforward game, combined with playoff experience, could generate interest from teams looking to bolster their bottom six for a postseason run.
From the Jets’ perspective, this move would be less about hockey fit and more about asset management. Trading Niederreiter could bring back draft capital or a cheaper depth option, while also freeing up cap space to address more pressing needs.
Winnipeg’s bottom six has lacked identity this season. Moving a veteran like Niederreiter could open the door for a more defined role structure, potentially allowing younger players or new acquisitions to step in and provide energy, speed, and defensive reliability.
It’s not a reflection of poor performance, but rather a shift in direction. If the Jets are serious about retooling, this is the type of move that makes sense.
Vladislav Namestnikov: A Cap Casualty Candidate
Vladislav Namestnikov may be one of the more straightforward trade candidates on Winnipeg’s roster.
The versatile forward has provided value as a utility player, capable of slotting in at both centre and wing. However, at a $3 million cap hit and limited offensive production this season (13 points in 57 games), he becomes a logical cap relief option for a team looking to reallocate resources.
Namestnikov’s role has largely been confined to the bottom six, where the Jets are already looking to make significant changes. Moving his contract would give Winnipeg additional financial flexibility to pursue upgrades in multiple areas, whether that’s a more reliable third-line centre, improvements on the blue line, or reinforcing their goaltending depth behind Connor Hellebuyck.
While his production has dipped, Namestnikov still holds value as a dependable, defensively-responsible forward. Teams in need of depth or injury insurance could view him as a low-risk addition, especially if the Jets are willing to retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.
For Winnipeg, this would be a classic cap-clearing move. It’s less about the return and more about creating room to reshape the roster more effectively.
A Necessary Reset for a Bounce-Back Season
The Jets are not a team that needs to tear everything down. Their core remains strong, and with the right adjustments, they can quickly return to playoff contention. However, standing pat is no longer an option.
This offseason presents an opportunity to reshape the bottom six, improve defensive depth, and solidify the backup goaltending position, areas that have all contributed to their underwhelming season.
Moving players like Lambert, Niederreiter, and Namestnikov would represent three different types of transactions: a value-based hockey trade, a veteran asset flip, and a cap-clearing move. Together, they would give the Jets the flexibility needed to retool effectively.
If executed correctly, these changes could position Winnipeg for a bounce-back season in 2026–27, one where they once again resemble the contender they were not long ago.
