NHL analyst Khalid Keshavjee of Rinksiders revealed that despite losing several stars and key players, the Jets are still a favorite to go deep in the playoffs. The <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/winnipeg-jets/nhl-analyst-4-crucial-jets-games-that-could-decide-division-winner' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Winnipeg Jets will have another Central Division powerhouse team</a> this year, even if their roster approaches it from an entirely different angle. Winnipeg's newest faces are future Hall of Fame-bound Jonathan Toews, Tanner Pearson, and Phil Di Giuseppe, along with valuable re-signings Gabriel Vilardi (six years) and Dylan Samberg (three years). <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/1950554572478681211'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> A few familiar faces have departed, including some who spent their entire NHL careers in Winnipeg. Foremost among these is Nikolaj Ehlers, who departed in free agency. <h3>Star Player Nikolaj Ehlers Headed East and Signed With the Carolina Hurricanes</h3> Following speculation about where he would end up, Ehlers is a free agent signing with the Carolina Hurricanes as of July 3. His return to Canada Life Centre on Nov. 21 is sure to be greeted with cheers and jeers. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1940848182092521874'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Prospect Jeff Lundmark, a second-round draft pick, never saw the Jets' NHL roster. Signed to a two-year, two-way contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning after four playing seasons with the Manitoba Moose, he will presumably be an AHLer out of Syracuse. Goalie Chris Driedger, one of prospect Hockey's most hyped, did not do great after being acquired at last year's trade deadline, earning one win and a .872 save percentage in five games for the Moose. He's headed to the KHL's Traktor Chelyabinsk. Veteran first-round pick forward Rasmus Kupari registered only eight points in 59 Jets games in the past campaign. He will play in Switzerland's top tier next year with HC Lugano. Who can forget the departures of Mason Appleton and Brandon Tanev as well, two players who will be hard to replace. While it will be difficult to predict Winnipeg matching last year's regular season output, their foundation remains, and they do possess one of the league's top goalies. It's hard to imagine the Jets being better than they were last regular season, but the key will be a better playoff performance this season. With the band mostly together and one of the best goalies in the league in net, expect the Jets to be a favourite to go deep in the playoffs this season. - Khalid Keshavjee With better play in the playoffs, <a href='https://rinksiders.com/2025/08/09/breaking-down-where-former-winnipeg-jets-will-play-this-season/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>NHL analyst Khalid Keshavjee of Rinksiders believes the Jets would once more be a threat</a>.