Report: Jets Looking To Address Two Areas Of Need Via Trade

The Winnipeg Jets are preparing for a deep playoff run and looking to add depth on both offense and defense, according to head coach Scott Arniel.

Speaking on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Arniel explained that postseason success requires a strong, well-rounded roster. “If you’re making a run in the playoffs, you’re going to go through bodies. It’s just inevitable,” he said.

The Jets have evaluated internal options from the Manitoba Moose but believe adding experienced NHL players with playoff experience would be beneficial, as noted by Jim Biringer of NHL Rumors.

Why I think Rasmus Ristolainen is worth a gamble 👇

(Disclaimer: I'm fully aware sG is not be all, end all type of stat, but it's one of the most simplistic, yet contextually and semantically complete advanced stat of all.)

Some usual D suspects compared in 30s video 👀 pic.twitter.com/7jxGaCq5vh
— Juraj Kralik (JK) (@JuroKral) February 7, 2025

General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has been looking at trade targets, with the Jets linked to Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson could also be a fit, but his availability depends on New York’s playoff push. Last season, the Jets added Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan before the deadline, but those moves didn’t work out as hoped.

Arniel made it clear the team wants to improve. “If we can make our team a little bit better, a little bit deeper, that’s probably the big thing that we’re after,” he said.

Brock Nelson just trying to play hockey, but somehow he’s become Team USA’s father figure 🤣🇺🇸

(h/t @Lefsbabe) pic.twitter.com/caYF9aMhVf
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 12, 2025