Winnipeg Jets’ Kevin Cheveldayoff Talks 2026 NHL Draft, Free Agency, Connor Hellebuyck & More – Hockey Writers – Winnipeg Jets
After a whirlwind few weeks with the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and the opening days of free agency taking place, longtime Winnipeg Jets general manager (GM) Kevin Cheveldayoff met the media on Friday for the first time since meeting the media at the end of their very disappointing 2025-26 season.
Here, we will delve into his comments on various topics.
Ferraro and Skinner “Were Number-1 Ministers”
Cheveldayoff signed three players on the opening day of free agency, the two most important being defenseman Mario Ferraro and goaltender Stuart Skinner. Cheveldayoff called those players his “first targets.”
Ferraro relied heavily on the San Jose Sharks’ backcourt, while Skinner had periods of success mixed with periods of struggle in his tumultuous five-and-a-half seasons with the Edmonton Oilers before finishing last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“The Ferraro wasn’t ready until late at night. We stayed there and we’re very thankful that it worked out for us,” he said, adding later “for us, obviously getting the Ferraro was a big, big deal.”
“We’re very excited to get Stu,” he said of Skinner, adding that goaltending coach Wade Flaherty spoke highly of him.
“July 1st can be a good day sometimes and July 1st can be something you wake up the next day and say ‘what did I do?'” Cheveldayoff said. “We are lucky that we woke up and we are still very happy with the things we did on July 1.”
The Perfetti Extension Is Very Important
Re-signing the only high-profile restricted free agent on the books will be a huge priority for Cheveldayoff going forward. That’s Cole Perfetti, who regressed last season offensively, recording just 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) compared to a career high of 50 (18 goals and 32 assists) in 2024-25.
“It’s a different category of contracts now that he has arbitration rights,” said Cheveldayoff, adding that he expects Perfetti to file for arbitration if he doesn’t sign on July 5. “If he does (file for arbitration), don’t be too happy. It’s just part of everything,” he added.
Perfetti missed the first 14 games of last season with an ankle sprain suffered in the team’s final preseason game, and though he returned in November, he didn’t look comfortable until the new year. He admitted in his exit interview that he came back from injury “a hair too fast” and that it “took a while” to get back up to speed.
The 2020 first-rounder didn’t put himself in the best position to justify a big raise from the $3.25 million annual average for his two-year bridge that expired. However, a long-term deal still appears to be on the table and is something at his exit meeting that he said he would be open to.
No Update on Hellebuyck Trade Drama
Cheveldayoff did not provide any new information about trade talks regarding his three-time Vezina winning pitcher, saying “Connor Hellebuyck is a Winnipeg Jet and there is no update at this time.”
Although there is no reliable report that Hellebuyck – who has five years left on his contract – has asked for a trade, rumors that he will be sent to Winnipeg have intensified since he was interviewed at the exit and Cheveldayoff added fuel to the fire late last month by saying that he is listening to offers.
The Buffalo Sabers and Carolina Hurricanes have made offers, but Cheveldayoff said last month that none were good enough to commit.
Opportunities Awaiting Young Players?
Last season, Cheveldayoff signed a bunch of veterans that made the Jets too old and too slow to keep up with high-octane teams, but this offseason, he didn’t sign anyone older than 27. This could mean better opportunities for a number of young players to crack the NHL roster.
“We’re looking to make changes, we’re looking to be quick,” said Cheveldayoff, explaining that all of his free agent signings so far are good skaters. “You’re going to see a different team come out in September and that’s exciting.”
Bjorck Center
As for Viggo Bjorck, the Jets’ first-round pick in last month’s draft, the goal is clear: play him under center.
“Viggo is a center, period,” Cheveldayoff’s said in response to a question about the plan for the eighth overall pick. In the past, the Jets have sent center players to the wing, such as Perfetti and Gabriel Vilardi.
Swede Bjorck was a major draw at the Jets’ 2026 Development Camp this week and could be the team’s most valuable player in a decade given their hopes of becoming the second-line center they’ve been looking for for several seasons.
“When he’s got a stick on his stick, you want to watch and see what’s going to happen next,” Cheveldayoff said. “It’s an exciting start to a great relationship here and there, we’re very fortunate to be able to sign him in this position that we’ve been doing. It’s going to be a great thing for the Jets going forward.”
This season, the 18-year-old is eligible to play in the NHL, the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose, or the Swedish Hockey League with Djurgardens IF, where he spent last season and remains under contract.
The Jets Still Have Cap Space And Much To Do This Offseason
While the past few weeks have been busy for Cheveldayoff and every other NHL GM, they shouldn’t be spent searching for free agents and exploring trades that they think could help the team get back into contention. He still has $10.68 million in available cap space per PuckPedia, and a number of useful players remain on the market.
With the draft and free agent frenzy, the next big thing to look forward to is the release of the 2026-27 regular season schedule within the next few weeks.
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