Jets Week Ahead: Schedule and Storylines – Hope Fading, Toews Ovation, Blue Line Pain and more – The Hockey Writers Winnipeg Jets Latest News, Analysis and More

The Winnipeg Jets have a tough three-game road trip through the Eastern Conference this week, facing stiff competition in New Jersey and Florida. Here are the top storylines and upcoming schedule for the week of January 25 – February 1, 2026.

Playoff hopes fade and “salesperson” talk

After a disastrous stretch that included an 11-game losing streak earlier this month and a recent one “embarrassing” 5-1 home loss to the Detroit Red Wings on January 24, the Jets are spiraling. They are seventh in the Central Division with a record hovering around .500 (20-24-7). They are mathematically alive, but realistically need a miraculous run to reach the postseason. The conversation has shifted to whether the team should embrace being “sellers” at the March 6 trade deadline.

Mark Scheifele’s “Olympic Snub” Revenge Tour

A major story remains the omission of Mark Scheifele from Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan Cortina. While teammates Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck were selected, Scheifele was left out. He responded by playing with a visible ‘chip on his shoulder’, leading the team’s offense and shooting recently multi-point games while trying to prove the decision makers wrong.

Jonathan Toews’ homecoming

Hometown veteran Jonathan Toews, who signed with Winnipeg this season, was a surprising bright spot. After returning from a long break due to health concerns, the 37-year-old has found his spark, recently recording a goal streak and providing stability in the middle. His leadership is considered crucial as the locker room endures a losing season.

Toews recently received a standing ovation when he first returned to Chicago with the Jets. The Blackhawks fans cheered and chanted “Jonny, Jonny” during the first intermission of the game, which the Jets lost 2-0.

Blue Line Injuries

The defensive core is exhausted. Neal Pionk is on Injured Reserve (lower body), Haydn Fleury is out (upper body) and Colin Miller is out week to week after knee surgery. This has forced the Jets to rely on depth players and prospects like Elias Salomonsson to fill minutes in the top four, further complicating their ability to shut down opponents.

Jets schedule January 25 – February 1

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