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Winnipeg Jets Updated Top 10 Prospects - Feb. 24 2025 - Vol. 78, Issue 08 - Jared Clinton
ROADBLOCKS AREN’T JUST A fixture during Winnipeg summers, they also exist during the Jets’ season. Given the team’s title aspirations and veteran-laden lineup, serious obstacles stand in the way of youth seeking to break through. But Jets director of player development Jimmy Roy sees it as a positive if Winnipeg’s top prospects hunger to take minutes off of established big-league talent. “Any young player, you want to be in the NHL right now, and if you don’t compare yourself to those players that are there, then you’re far off,” Roy said. “That’s what you need to do with your mindset.”
1 BRAYDEN YAGER
C, 20, 6-0, 170
Lethbridge (WHL)
Trade (Pit), Aug. 22, 2024
OVERALL 23
Wearing the ‘C’ at the WJC was a signifier of Yager’s experience but also came with expectations: he was to be relied upon for offense. Despite logging the second-most ice time among Canadian forwards, though, he had just three points in five WJC games. But the Jets believe it’s only a blip for Yager, who was acquired from Pittsburgh in a swap for Rutger McGroarty. Yager’s gifts have long been apparent, and Winnipeg is high on his ability to find open ice and create space.
2 BRAD LAMBERT
C, 21, 6-2, 180
Manitoba (AHL)
2022 draft, 30th overall
OVERALL 78
After Lambert had 55 points in the AHL last season, his decline in production will worry some, but not the Jets’ brass. He had a one-game taste of the NHL last season and earned another four-game call-up this year. He is working to improve the finer details of his game. Given his one-time standing as a projected top-five pick, there was never doubt about his offense. The elements he’s working on – like competing for pucks and using his strength – put him on a path to regular NHL duty.
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3 NIKITA CHIBRIKOV
RW, 22, 5-11, 193
Manitoba (AHL)
2021 draft, 50th overall
OVERALL 80
Chibrikov wowed in Manitoba last year with an unexpected 47-point output as an AHL rookie. That helped him make his NHL debut last season, where he scored his first big-league goal. Chibrikov again turned heads with two goals during a four-game stint with the Jets in December. Roy expects the energetic and enthusiastic Chibrikov to force himself into the Jets’ lineup. “He plays hard,” Roy said. “Has a good shot. He’s got good vision, skill. He’s going to be an NHL player one day.”
4 COLBY BARLOW
LW, 20, 6-1, 190
Oshawa (OHL)
2023 draft, 18th overall
OVERALL 81
Barlow’s pure goal-scoring ability, which starts with a heavy and accurate shot, leaps off the page. He’s backed it up with consecutive 40-goal seasons in the OHL, too, and the transferability of his offensive instincts was evident in his three-point cameo with the AHL’s Moose last season. The Jets like Barlow’s competitiveness and leadership qualities, which “pulls players into the fight,” said Roy. And the Jets were also encouraged by his work to improve his skating and conditioning.
5 ELIAS SALOMONSSON
D, 20, 6-2, 189
Manitoba (AHL)
2022 draft, 55th overall
Injuries have hindered Salomonsson’s first AHL campaign, but there have been glimpses of the tremendous upside he possesses. His shot, both in power and precision, is a useful tool, but his best asset remains his skating. He moves about the ice with such ease and gracefulness that, given room, he can act as a one-man defensive-zone escape artist. What will get him to the next level? “Doing things at a little higher pace,” Roy said. “He’s growing and understanding the physicality and strength needed to play in the (NHL).”
6 ALFONS FREIJ
D, 19, 6-1, 187
Bjorkloven (Swe.2)
2024 draft, 37th overall
Puck-moving blueliner with good shot needs to get stronger on his skates.
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7 CHAZ LUCIUS (*Now Retired*)
C, 21, 6-2, 185
Manitoba (AHL)
2021 draft, 18th overall
Talent is evident, but he needs game time. Injuries have cost him dearly.
8 KEVIN HE
LW, 18, 6-0, 180
Niagara (OHL)
2024 draft, 109th overall
Great combination of skill and work ethic. Named Niagara captain this season.
9 KIERON WALTON
LW, 18, 6-6, 216
Sudbury (OHL)
2024 draft, 187th overall
Has the frame of a throwback power forward and skill set of a deft playmaker.
10 JACOB JULIEN
C, 20, 6-4, 190
London (OHL)
2023 draft, 146th overall
Builds from own zone outward, even if that means sacrificing offense.
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