Winnipeg Jets: All You Need to Know as Free Agency Begins

Usually, this extremely exciting day happens every offseason on July 1, but Winnipeg Jets supporters had to wait until today for free agency to begin.

Due to the 2021 NHL season getting pushed back because of the pandemic, the NHL offseason calendar had to be altered. It was not until just moments ago, the free agency period started in the NHL.

If you would have asked on Monday morning about who the Winnipeg Jets needed to get in free agency, most people would have said they need to target a defenseman or two, but that has drastically changed.

Winnipeg has acquired both Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt in trades earlier this week and this has changed their free agent needs.

The Winnipeg Jets have let seven players from last year become unrestricted free agents

The players who were with the Jets in 2021 that are now on the open market are Mathieu Perreault, Derek Forbort, Tucker Poolman, Nate Thompson, Laurent Brossoit, Trevor Lewis, and Jordie Benn.

The Jets can still resign any of these players, but these players are also now free to negotiate a contract with any franchise.

It will be interesting to see who Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Jets front office will go after in free agency considering they do not have much cap room to work with. According to Cap Friendly, the Jets have a projected cap space of $7,715,355.

With only eight forwards remaining from last year’s roster and the fact that the Jets have acquired two veteran defensemen, it is projected the Jets will be active in targeting forwards. Also, there is a chance we could see the Jets make another trade or two to open up more cap space.

There has been plenty of rumors floating around this morning about pending free agents signing for teams, but the Jets have yet to be involved in any of them. Stay tuned to our site throughout free agency as we will have all your Winnipeg Jets news including who they sign and all the need-to-know insights about the player.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which player(s) do you think the Winnipeg Jets should sign during free agency? Leave your comments below!