4 Winnipeg Jets Assets Labeled “Untouchable” in Trade Talks

The Winnipeg Jets have the best record in hockey, and a nine-point lead atop the Central Division standings. But that doesn't mean they're not looking to make any moves at the trade deadline. A middle-six forward and a D-man could still be added.

But according to Murat Ates in The Athletic, when it comes to trade talks, rival teams had best not ask for any of these four assets, who he deems as "untouchable."

1. Cole Perfetti

The young forward has another remaining on his bridge deal with a $3.25 million cap hit before he hits restricted free agency again in 2026. The 23-year-old former 10th overall pick is on pace for a career-high in points (approx. 50), as well as playing a personal best 15:06 of ice time per night with a career-best plus/minus of +15 in 56 games. As Ates notes, "When Winnipeg drafts and develops a player of Perfetti’s calibre, they keep him."

2. Elias Salomonsson

Another asset the Jets always hang onto is their top prospect. That's where Salomonsson ranks, as the 20-year-old right-shot defenceman has already shown his top-four potential with a fine first season in the pros with the AHL's Manitoba Moose. He has 15 points in 24 games, and has the makings of a power play quarterback.

3. Brad Lambert

The Jets' No. 2 prospect is essentially untouchable as well, even though the skilled skater hasn't had a tremendous season thus far with the Moose. But as Atest notes, it would take a "moonshot" of an offer "beyond reasonable expectation" for them to even consider trading him.

4. Brayden Yager

The 20-year-old, who they acquired in the much-ballyhooed one-for-one top prospects trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Rutger McGroarty, is once again dominating in the Western Hockey League in juniors, with 65 points in 40 games following up a 95-point season last year. As a potential two-way, 2C center in the NHL, and at the cost it took for them to acquire him, he's also as close to untouchable as a prospect gets.