As the Winnipeg Jets look toward future roster decisions, one question arises about whether Jonathan Toews will return and if he could serve as a viable third or fourth-line centre. While Toews’ leadership and veteran presence are valuable assets, his ability to contribute significantly on the ice remains uncertain. At 37 years old, with his last NHL game played in April 2023 and no 60-point seasons in five years, expectations for an impact return should be tempered despite the potential off-ice benefits.

Toews’ career face-off win percentage of 57.3 percent suggests he could still be effective in the face-off circle, which would be a critical asset if he joined the Jets as a depth centre. Considering how Luke Schenn’s veteran presence helped the Jets after last season, a one-year contract for Toews might be justified for his locker room influence and situational ice time. However, fans should not expect the dominant Toews that led the Chicago Blackhawks during their golden era.

The Jets’ Defensive Lineup and the Challenge of Roster Depth

Regarding changes on the Jets’ blue line, significant upgrades appear unlikely this offseason. Ideally, the team would seek a right-handed top-four defenceman with size to pair effectively with Josh Morrissey, but such players are scarce on the market and difficult to acquire given salary cap constraints and no-trade clauses.

While there may be concerns about having too many defencemen, depth on defense remains crucial. A single injury to a top-four defenceman could leave the team vulnerable, making players like Colin Miller valuable for their flexibility, even if they are not regular starters. However, should Elias Salomonsson secure a roster spot following training camp, the Jets might need to move someone to maintain balance, with Miller being the most likely candidate to be traded.

Weighing the Impact of Long-Term Contracts on Team Progress

The Jets have committed to several contracts that raise questions about their long-term impact on the roster’s effectiveness. Some deals, such as Vladislav Namestnikov’s two-year contract and Alex Iafallo’s three-year extension, are not considered long-term and fit reasonably within the team’s salary structure.

Namestnikov serves as a versatile depth player with a reasonable $2 million average annual value (AAV), while Iafallo, with a $3.67 million AAV, primarily plays on the fourth line but can fill in on the top six and is a strong penalty killer. Both are viewed as sound investments given the rising salary cap.

In contrast, Nino Niederreiter and Dylan DeMelo’s contracts carry more risk. Niederreiter, now in his second year of a three-year, $4 million AAV deal, is a streaky scorer with inconsistent production despite coming close to 20 goals in recent seasons. Meanwhile, DeMelo’s three-year contract at $4.9 million AAV has shown signs of declining performance, and was initially considered pricey, likely influenced by his previous success playing alongside Morrissey. The team will need to carefully monitor how these contracts age in terms of value and impact.

JJ Peterka: A Potential Dynamic Addition to the Jets’ Forward Group

Among emerging players, JJ Peterka stands out as a possible game-changer for the Jets, especially if Nikolaj Ehlers departs. The 23-year-old winger possesses notable speed and scoring ability, nearly reaching 30 goals in consecutive seasons and demonstrating consistent offensive threat. His energy and offensive skill could add much-needed vitality to a second line that might struggle without Ehlers.

Peterka’s status as a restricted free agent means the Buffalo Sabres could trade him before July 1 to avoid losing him to an offer sheet. Several NHL teams are expected to compete vigorously, offering high draft picks or top prospects, which poses a challenge for the Jets, who lack ample trade assets.

While Winnipeg could consider parting with promising centres like Brayden Yager or Brad Lambert in an offer, the fact that these players are centres and not wingers like Peterka, combined with stronger offers from other teams, might limit the Jets’ chances of acquiring him. Nonetheless, Peterka remains an intriguing candidate for the Jets if they seek to boost their lineup.

Looking Ahead: Roster Decisions and Future Team Direction

The Winnipeg Jets face critical choices in the offseason about balancing experience, potential, and salary cap flexibility. Whether signing a veteran like Jonathan Toews for leadership and situational play, retaining key defensive depth while managing emerging players such as Elias Salomonsson, or strategizing to acquire offensive talent like JJ Peterka, these moves will significantly influence the team’s competitiveness.

The long-term contracts for players like Niederreiter and DeMelo will require careful evaluation to ensure they do not hinder progress, while the potential loss of Nikolaj Ehlers may force the Jets to look toward younger players or trades to fill the gap. With multiple variables at play, the Jets’ decisions this offseason will shape their playoff prospects and team identity in the coming years.