The Winnipeg Jets look to build first winning streak of the season when taking on the Minnesota Wild in exhibition action.
The Winnipeg Jets head to the Twin Cities on Tuesday for a preseason rematch against the Minnesota Wild, the same team they faced in their exhibition opener. Winnipeg is coming off its first preseason victory, a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames, in a game that featured a loaded lineup of regular starters.
In recent years, the Jets have largely kept their preseason schedule within Canada, often squaring off against familiar foes like the Flames, Oilers and Canucks. However, last preseason marked a shift as Winnipeg resumed traveling since the pandemic, facing the Wild in exhibition play for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. The Jets lost both matchups, extending their preseason losing streak against Minnesota to three games heading into Tuesday. They’ll aim to break that streak and look to build momentum with back-to-back wins while continuing to evaluate their emerging talent.
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After icing a veteran-heavy lineup on Saturday, Winnipeg will look to do the same again, headlined by the season debut of reigning league MVP and back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck. Jonathan Toews will also return for his second preseason game, reuniting with Cole Perfetti.
With Gustav Nyquist getting the night off, Nino Niederreiter will be tested on their line. The Jets’ third line will also take shape, with Vladislav Namestnikov and Alex Iafallo rejoining the lineup alongside top-line winger Gabe Vilardi.
An emerging storyline heading into the start of the season is who will step into defenseman Dylan Samberg's spot on the second pairing, as he’s expected to miss six to eight weeks with a broken wrist. Logan Stanley is considered the front-runner in the competition for the role, as he is slated to skate alongside Neal Pionk, who is typically paired with Dylan Samberg, on Tuesday. Other candidates in the mix include Haydn Fleury and Ville Heinola.
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The Wild made headlines Tuesday by signing superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov to the largest contract in NHL history: an eight-year, $136 million deal. He’ll make his debut following the signing, joining a loaded Minnesota lineup packed with top talent. Kaprizov will skate on the top line alongside star forwards Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy, while the second line features Joel Eriksson Ek, Liam Ohgren, and Vladimir Tarasenko.
On defense, the Wild’s top defenders in Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, Zeev Buium, and Jake Middleton will all be in the lineup, backed by elite goaltender Filip Gustavsson. This game promises a showcase of star power, with both teams’ best players on display, offering a level of talent that feels a notch above a typical regular-season matchup.