As the Winnipeg Jets gear up for another exciting season, all eyes are on the promising young talent in their farm system. This year’s crop of prospects is brimming with potential, and a few key players are on the cusp of making a real impact at the NHL level. Here’s the latest Winnipeg Jets news on the top five prospects you need to keep an eye on this coming season.
A New Wave of Talent is Coming to the Winnipeg Jets
5. Kieran Walton
Kieran Walton has been a pleasant surprise, skyrocketing into the top five after a phenomenal season with the Sudbury Wolves. The 6’6″ center put up an impressive 92 points in 66 games, demonstrating incredible hands and skating ability for his size. He was the driving force of his team’s offense, and his development is a testament to the Jets’ scouting department, who snagged him in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. Walton models his game after Tage Thompson, and if he can even come close to that level of play, the Jets have a real gem on their hands.
4. Nikita Chibrikov
Nikita Chibrikov is a tenacious forward who brings a ton of energy to the ice. He’s already had a taste of the NHL, scoring two goals in four games with the Jets last season. Chibrikov is a strong forechecker with a powerful shot, making him a threat whenever he’s in the offensive zone. While his season was cut short by injury, he’s expected to make a full recovery and could easily find a spot in the Jets’ bottom-six forward group this year.
3. Brad Lambert
Brad Lambert is a player with an incredibly high ceiling. Despite a statistically down year with the Manitoba Moose, his potential remains undeniable. Lambert possesses elite speed and skill, and with the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, there’s a prime opportunity for him to step up and inject some much-needed quickness into the Jets’ lineup. Expect Lambert to get a serious look in the top-six this season.
2. Brayden Yager
At the top of the prospect list are two players who represent the future of the Winnipeg Jets: Brayden Yager and Elias Salomonsson.
Brayden Yager, a defensively responsible two-way center, has the highest floor of any Jets prospect. He’s a proven leader, having captained Team Canada at the World Juniors, and consistently puts up points while maintaining a strong defensive game. Yager is the complete package and is expected to make a smooth transition to the professional level with the Manitoba Moose this season.
1. Elias Salomonsson
Elias Salomonsson, a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman, has the highest ceiling of any prospect in the Jets’ system. He has true top-four potential and showed great promise in his first professional season with the Moose. While the Jets’ blue line is crowded at the moment, Salomonsson is on a development path similar to that of Dylan DeMelo, and it won’t be long before he’s making a significant impact in the NHL.
The future is bright for the Winnipeg Jets, and these five prospects are a major reason for the optimism. Keep a close eye on them this season, as they are the next wave of talent set to take the NHL by storm.
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