Despite the absence of Miller, the Rangers have managed to put together several solid performances following the Olympic break. Mike Sullivan’s team has shown improvement giving fans some optimism about the direction of the roster as the regular season enters the final stretch.

At the same time, the reality of the standings still presents a major challenge as the NY Rangers remain significantly behind in the Eastern Conference playoff race and won’t fight for the Stanley Cup. That’s why speculation continues to grow around the roster, with trade rumors linking players like Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox to potential moves in the offseason.

Is J.T. Miller playing tonight for Rangers vs Jets?

No. J.T. Miller will not play in today’s game between the New York Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets as he continues to recover from the upper body injury that led to his placement on injured reserve earlier this month.

Head coach Mike Sullivan addressed the situation while speaking to reporters, explaining that the team is still monitoring Miller’s progress before making any final decisions about his return to the lineup.

When asked about a possible comeback against the Wild on Saturday, Sullivan made it clear the Rangers are taking a cautious approach. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Fans in Pittsburgh have grown accustomed to Malkin’s style of play. The 39-year-old veteran plays with passion, but that can sometimes slip out of his control. Against the Jets, it definitely did, as Malkin delivered a vicious slash to defenseman Logan Stanley. Now, the NHL is responding with a severe punishment.

“Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slashing Winnipeg’s Logan Stanley,” as announced by @NHLPlayerSafety on X (formerly Twitter).

No hearing

According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and the Players’ Association (NHLPA), all fines over the $5,000 figure require a hearing with the Department of Player Safety.

As Malkin’s fine was just on the limit, he won’t have a hearing with the league, and will face no supplementary discipline. On that note, the Black and Yellow might have gotten away with one in a crucial stage of the NHL season.

As a result, Malkin will be available for the Penguins’ upcoming matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 3. The visit to Scotiabank Arena in Hogtown will be the Pens’ last stop on their four-game road trip before returning to The Burgh.

Keeping up the pace

After a hot start to the 2025-26 NHL season, the Penguins are seemingly losing a step at the moment. Pittsburgh is in the midst of a six-game stretch against playoff teams from the past campaign. It’s time for the Pens to show their worth, and prove they belong at the top of the standings.

Up next, the Penguins will take on the Maple Leafs, Capitals, Devils, and Kings before boarding a transatlantic flight to Sweden for the 2025 NHL Global Series against the Nashville Predators (November 14-16).

Toews and the Jets have one quick stop to make before returning home to host Bedard and the Blackhawks in the 2025-26 NHL season. It won’t be as emotional for Toews as when he steps into the United Center in Chicago as a visitor for the first time in his career, but still, the veteran center is already preparing himself mentally to face the team he captained since he was 20.

Now, as Toews looks at the team in Chicago, there are less familiar faces on the ice, and mixed feelings invade the 37-year-old’s body. Looking ahead in the schedule, Toews is already anxious for the matchup with Bedard and company. On that note, he voiced a very sincere statement.

“I’ve been watching them a lot on TV and it’s strange. It does feel like a completely different team,” Toews admitted in dialogue with Mark Lazerus of The Athletic. “They’re just wearing the same jerseys.”

Liking what he sees

As Lazerus mentioned throughout his conversation, Toews slipped up and talked about “we” in multiple occasions when speaking of the Blackhawks. The three-time Stanley Cup-winning captain in Chicago is still acclimating to his new surroundings (even though they are in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba). Moreover, as he watches the Blackhawks on TV, he can’t help but root for their success. With Bedard leading the future, Toews is confident the Hawks are on the right path.

“They’ve been fun to watch. They have a lot of good, young talent. Now they have a good idea of where the team is headed,” Toews commented. “There’s no guarantees, but it looks like some of the young picks are going to turn into good players.”

Relatable

Toews’ journey with the Blackhawks shares plenty of similarities with that of Bedard and the current core in Chi-Town. Toews was selected third overall in 2006 and was quickly joined by Patrick Kane, the first overall pick in 2007. From the get-go, the duo carried a heavy weight, as the future of hockey in the City of Big Shoulders rested on their own.

It took some time, but thanks to their rapid development—Toews was named captain in 2008—and a supporting cast built for the biggest moments, the Blackhawks struck gold in 2010. Far from satisfied, they went on to hoist three Cups in six years, winning in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

Poetry in motion

Perhaps too big a shoe to fill, but fans in Chicago hope Bedard and Frank Nazar can lead the next great dynasty in the Second City. There’s poetry in every aspect of the upcoming Jets–Blackhawks showdown.

When Bedard and Toews face off for the first time in their careers on October 30, the 2023 first overall pick will come face to face with the figure many in his city expect him to become. As for Toews, he’ll face a squad full of youngsters whose inspiration to become Blackhawks came from him, Kane, and the Stanley Cup-winning rosters of the 2010s.

Kyle Connor can’t quite be compared with McDavid. Quite frankly, not many players in the NHL can. Still, the left-winger is a pivotal piece for the organization in Winnipeg. He’s definitely an asset the Jets have no interest losing next summer.

Coming off a career-high 97-point NHL season, Connor is now entering the final campaign of his seven-year, $50 million extension. Similarly to McDavid in Edmonton, he is set to play on a contract year. That is, of course, if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal before the puck drops in October.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken

No team wants to see their best, established players head into a contract season without a new deal in place. The Jets are no exception. Thus, re-signing Connor is an urgent matter for the organization in The Peg. However, reports indicate talks have yet to take place between the two parties.

“Here we sit, Kyle Connor: getting close to the start of training camp, not all that different than McDavid,” Frank Seravalli stated on Insider Notebook. “I don’t think they’ve had much by way of extension talks.

“My understanding is that Connor’s camp is not in very much of a rush get something done and that they want to evaluate their options. I’m sure Jets fans don’t necessarily love the sound of that. Particularly after watching Nikolaj Ehlers walk out the door as a free agent.”

McDavid’s sweet spot

While the Oilers and McDavid have yet to formally engage in contract talks, the sentiment around the NHL is that it will all fall into place sooner rather than later. The fear of McDavid walking away next summer has mostly dissipated, or perhaps only morphed into a new one.

The question now is how long the Oilers will be able to retain their captain in Edmonton. On that note, Seravalli believes the forward’s camp might have found their sweet spot.

“[McDavid’s extension] could be anywhere from a two-year to an eight-year deal. I don’t think that they’ve ruled out eight,” Seravalli hinted. “Four years might be the sweet spot here.”

Winnipeg Jets star Kyle Connor was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2015 NHL entry Draft and has never called any other franchise home. He never looked back, either. Winnipeg took him in, and he’s been comfortable in Manitoba since. However, that might change.

Connor is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after the 2025-26 NHL season. The left-winger’s seven-year, $50 million extension will be due next summer. The Jets have no reason to let him walk, but that isn’t stopping Kane’s Red Wings from showing interest. That is, if Kane is still in Motor City next season.

According to reports around the NHL, Connor and the Jets haven’t discussed the future, but things seem to be on track. Regardless, if matters were to turn south, Detroit is expected to make a bid for the 28-year-old born in Shelby Township, Michigan. It could be a great chance to revisit his days at the University of Michigan.

“Not any reason to panic, but a lot of people have been wondering if Kyle Connor does decide to go to market next summer, would the Detroit Red Wings be a fit for Kyle Connor? You could see the Michigan product going back,” Frank Seravalli said, via Insider Notebook. “I could certainly see that and he would seem to make a ton of sense for a Detroit Red Wings team that could use additional scoring punch.”

Don’t turn off the Jets, yet

While the lack of postseason success over his time in Winnipeg might be deflating for Connor, all signs indicate he enjoys playing at Canada Life Centre. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be any alarms sounding nor indicators of caution going forward. Still, in the NHL anything can happen.

“Don’t count out the Jets,” Seravalli added. “They’ve had a good thing going. Obviously a tough playoff exit, but then leaving a lot to be desired, but Connor’s got to be part of that solution.“

It’s still early to tell, but if things keep their course the Jets better hope they are in a good place come March and the NHL trade deadline. If not, Connor’s days in The Peg might be numbered, and Kane’s Red Wings will most probably be among the frontrunners.

Arniel took over in May 2024, and in his first year at the helm, he managed to keep the Jets among the most competitive teams in the Western Conference, with a solid defensive structure where key pieces are now beginning to solidify.

The Jets’ new head coach earned the respect of the locker room for his leadership and balanced approach. His ability to stay the course during high-pressure situations was highly valued by the front office, which is now committed to strengthening the team’s core in hopes of remaining a contender in the league.

The player who extended his deal with the Jets

The Jets defenseman who signed an extension with Winnipeg is none other than Dylan Samberg, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $5.75 million in average annual value (AAV), further solidifying a central part of the young core the franchise has built over recent seasons.

The 26-year-old blueliner has shown steady growth since making his NHL debut in 2022 after being selected in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He had his best professional season in 2024–25, recording 20 points in 60 games, along with a +34 rating and averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game.

Jets avoid salary arbitration

Both sides had previously filed salary arbitration numbers: the Jets proposed a $2.5 million AAV, while Samberg’s camp asked for $6 million, a significant $3.5 million gap that reflected some tension in the negotiation. Ultimately, both parties were able to reach an agreement.

With a solidified defense and an effective tactical system, Carolina has shown interest in adding speed and creativity to its offensive zone. The departure of key figures like Rantanen forced the Hurricanes to explore alternatives, seeking opportunities to add proven talent without compromising their young core.

In that context, Carolina finally managed to bring in forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who arrived as a free agent. However, recent information suggests that the Canes had been persistent in previous attempts, drawing attention for their sustained pursuit.

Carolina’s Pursuit of Ehlers

According to Elliotte Friedman on the “Real Kyper and Bourne” show, the Carolina Hurricanes had “at least twice tried to acquire forward Ehlers” when he was still a member of the Jets. After weeks of speculation and amid the player’s desire to move on, the Hurricanes were ultimately able to complete the signing.

Nikolaj Ehlers wrapped up a successful 2024–25 season with 63 points (24 goals and 39 assists) in 69 games for the Jets, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent forwards. After the season, he declined to re-sign with Winnipeg and became a free agent on July 1, drawing strong interest from the Hurricanes—who had even attempted to trade for him earlier—and ultimately agreed to a six-year, $51 million deal.

Ehlers’ Role in Carolina

Ehlers is expected to slot immediately into the Hurricanes’ top-six forward group. His presence could inject speed and depth into the offense, something Carolina has especially sought during the playoffs, where timely goals have often eluded them. In this case, persistence paid off, and now the team hopes to see the results on the ice.

The Jets’ management sped up negotiations to avoid arbitration and ensure the team wouldn’t waste time during the offseason amid trade rumors and speculation. Winnipeg is locking in one of its cornerstones for the future without taking unnecessary risks.

The Jets enter the 2025–26 season with renewed expectations, with center Scheifele leading the offense. The team hopes to solidify itself as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference and now has a key player secured for the long term. The franchise trusts in the results of combining experience and youth.

Who is the player who re-signed with the Jets?

The right wing who signed a long-term deal with the Jets is none other than Gabriel Vilardi, who agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract with Winnipeg, carrying an average annual cap hit of $7.5 million. The deal cements his role as a fundamental piece of the franchise’s future.

Vilardi’s career path

Vilardi was selected 11th overall in the 2017 Draft by the Kings and made his NHL debut in 2020, scoring a goal on his first shot—setting a record. After developing in the OHL and AHL, he became a regular in the Kings’ lineup before being traded to the Jets in 2023 in the deal for Pierre-Luc Dubois.

In his first season with the Jets, Vilardi showed his offensive potential despite dealing with injuries. During the 2024–25 campaign, he had a breakout year with 61 points in 71 games, establishing himself as a key player for both the present and future of Winnipeg.

The Jets are entering a key transitional phase under Arniel, who took over as head coach following Rick Bowness’s departure. After an impressive 2024–25 regular season, the main goal now is to solidify the young core and ensure consistency in the playoffs.

With a roster led by Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, and Kyle Connor, the Jets aim to maintain a competitive structure and deepen their lineup. In this sense, management moved quickly to avoid potential contract conflicts and reinforce overall roster stability.

The Jets’ two recent extensions

The Jets secured depth forward Morgan Barron on a two-year, $3.7 million extension, carrying an annual average value of $1.85 million, thus avoiding salary arbitration. This agreement strengthens Winnipeg’s depth while maintaining contract harmony and preserving resources to keep building the roster for next season.

The Canadian franchise also re-signed defense prospect Tyrel Bauer on a one-year, two-way contract for the upcoming season, ensuring his place within the organization between the NHL and AHL. In the 2024–25 campaign, Bauer played 59 games with the Manitoba Moose.

What is salary arbitration?

Salary arbitration is a formal process used to resolve salary disputes between a player (usually young or early in their career) and their team when they can’t agree on a new contract value. A neutral arbitrator listens to both sides’ arguments and ultimately sets the player’s salary for the next season (or up to two years).

It’s true that the Jets signed Gustav Nyquist to a one-year, $3.25 million contract to strengthen their offense after Ehlers’ exit, but making additional moves to build momentum could give Winnipeg a chance to stay competitive this offseason.

At the same time, the franchise’s strategy focuses on mixing experienced players with young talents showing potential. In that sense, looking to the Blackhawks might be a smart move considering Chicago has been known for giving opportunities to younger players.

Who is the Jets’ new signing?

The former Bedard teammate joining the Jets is none other than defenseman Isaak Phillips, who signed a two-year, two-way contract with Winnipeg. His deal includes an NHL annual salary of $812,500. The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick by the Blackhawks in 2020 and played 56 games with them, scoring one goal and adding 10 assists.

The background and potential of Phillips

Phillips was Bedard’s teammate on the Blackhawks during the 2023-24 season. They shared the ice that year, when Phillips played in 33 NHL games and Bedard made his debut as a rookie. They also played together in three games during the 2024-25 season.

Phillips’ arrival provides the Jets with solid depth and fresh defensive options, all within a cost-effective, development-friendly contract. His emerging profile fills a key gap in the defensive structure while allowing Winnipeg to maintain salary cap flexibility. In this context, the Jets could still make a major move to fully replace Ehlers.

Morgan Barron, Dylan Samberg, and Gabriel Vilardi are the names mentioned in the list provided by the NHLPA. Vilardi’s case is the most talked about following his strong 2024-2025 season, in which he recorded 27 goals and 34 assists.

The Jets are trying to remain contenders for the Stanley Cup after finishing with the best regular-season record in the league. However, their aspirations came to an end in the second round of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.

What is arbitration in NHL?

In the NHL, arbitration is a formal process used to resolve salary disputes between a team and a restricted free agent. Either the player (as Vilardi did) or the team can file for it.

The player usually files for arbitration if they believe they deserve a higher salary than what the team is offering. Both sides submit their proposed salary figures, and a neutral arbitrator reviews arguments, stats, and comparisons to similar players before deciding on a fair contract.

What happens when a player goes to arbitration in NHL?

As it has been mentioned, when a player goes to arbitration in the NHL, a hearing is scheduled. Each party presents arguments and the arbitrator reviews all the evidence and makes a binding decision within 48 hours, setting the player’s salary.

The team must then decide whether to accept the arbitrator’s ruling. In most cases, they do, but, if the awarded salary is above a certain threshold, the team can choose to walk away which makes the player an unrestricted free agent. That’s the risk for the Winnipeg Jets with these three players in the upcoming days.