Winnipeg Jets

Desperation and Deals: The Jets’ Path to the Playoffs

Can the Winnipeg Jets keep the belief alive and use smart trades to turn a late-season push into a real playoff run?

by
Old Prof
January 22, 2026

The Winnipeg Jets’ recent wins are showing that they’re not ready to wave the white flag just yet. With the losing streak finally ended, the Jets can feel new energy. Coach Scott Arniel and captain Adam Lowry said it straight: the belief is back, and the team knows the little things matter — blocking shots, making simple plays, and pushing every shift like it counts.

Once the Jets Started to Win, the Belief Returned

After the game, Lowry said it was normal: once the win came, the belief returned. The team is now feeling good about how they’re doing things and is heading into games believing that good results are on the way. Dylan Samberg added that the focus is on one game at a time. They haven’t made up all the ground they wanted in the standings, but they’re confident they can chip away by stacking wins.

The Jets know this isn’t just about playing well on the ice. There’s a bigger picture — the playoff push and the roster for it. Winnipeg has pieces that could be moved if it helps the team make a run. A depth forward or a rental defenseman might be the kind of move that adds scoring or shoring up minutes without giving up top prospects.

Adam Lowry Jets overtime winner — Adam Lowry of the Winnipeg Jets believes the belief has returned.

Because the Jets Can’t Take on Heavy Salary-Cap Pieces, Money Factors In

Contracts and cap space matter, too. The Jets can’t just take on cap-heavy pieces, so trades have to be smart and surgical. The kind that improves the team without weakening the future.

For now, the Jets are sticking to what works. The system holds, the locker room is tight, and the players trust each other. That combination — belief, urgency, and some smart moves — is what keeps them in the conversation.

If they can keep this mindset, stay disciplined, and perhaps make a quiet trade or two to add skill or stability, the Jets might not just stay alive — they could really shake things up. One win at a time and one smart decision at a time, the Jets are making sure they’re not just chasing the postseason but planning to compete when they get there.