Winnipeg Jets: Which Unrestricted Free Agents Could They Sign?

Given the uncertainty of the pending season, here are three remaining unrestricted free agents who could end up with the Winnipeg Jets.

The NHL free agent market has cooled considerably since opening on October 9, 2020, leaving many quality UFA’s that the Winnipeg Jets could consider signing. NHL general managers are understandably hesitant about player salary commitments given the strong possibility of decreased revenue next season, as well as a flat salary cap. However, where there are obstacles, there are also opportunities.

Many UFA’s and their agents now must face a reality where there are fewer options available than in previous seasons. They may now need to consider signing with teams that were not at the top of their destination list initially, and for a lower average annual value or shorter term than they had hoped for.

The Score provided their predictions as to where some of the top remaining UFA’s may end up, including identifying defenseman Travis Hamonic as a possible addition to the Winnipeg Jets. This makes sense, given the Jets obvious need to upgrade their defense, and that Hamonic is from Manitoba and has expressed an interest in the past to play closer to his off-season home.

The Jets will eventually have approximately $5 million in cap space once Bryan Little has been moved to long term injury reserve. Even with that, there will be some salary cap gymnastics to accommodate any free agent additions.

Here are three of the potential remaining UFA’s who the Jets should consider signing with the salary space they will have available.