Story Summary
A fantasy preview of the Winnipeg Jets ranks Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi and Josh Morrissey as the club’s top five options in standard leagues for 2026-27. The projections call for 32 wins from Hellebuyck, with Connor, Scheifele, Vilardi and Morrissey projected for 93, 92, 71 and 59 points respectively.
Key Facts
- The fantasy preview focuses on the Winnipeg Jets for the 2026-27 season.
- Top five Jets, in order: Connor Hellebuyck (G), Kyle Connor (F), Mark Scheifele (F), Gabriel Vilardi (F), Josh Morrissey (D).
- Connor Hellebuyck is projected to win 32 games in 2026-27.
- Hellebuyck had 23 wins in 57 games last season, a career-low.895 save percentage and zero shutouts for the first time in his career.
- Hellebuyck won the Hart and Vezina Trophies in 2024-25 after posting career highs: 47 wins, 2.00 GAA, .925 save percentage and eight shutouts.
- Among goalies with at least 125 games since 2022-23, Hellebuyck leads the NHL in wins (144 in 244 games), save percentage (.916) and goals-against average (2.43); he ranks second in shutouts (17) and saves (6,387).
- Kyle Connor is projected for 93 points after recording 92 points – 39 goals and 53 assists – in 82 games last season.
- Mark Scheifele is projected for 92 points after setting career highs last season with 103 points and 67 assists in 82 games, alongside 36 goals.
IHM Discussion
The ranking paints a clear fantasy picture: Winnipeg’s top value rests with its forward depth and an established goaltender whose recent dip could be temporary. Connor and Scheifele remain the offence’s anchor – their involvement on 65 of the same goals last season points to a highly productive on-ice connection. Connor’s sustained shot volume and consistent goal totals make him a reliable fantasy pick, while Scheifele’s 103-point season and regular 30-plus-goal production keep him close behind.
Gabriel Vilardi emerges as a supporting forward with upside. His across-the-board career highs last season – in goals, points, power-play production and shots – came alongside increased ice time and greater exposure to Connor and Scheifele at 5-on-5 and on the power play. That combination can raise a player’s ceiling in standard fantasy formats.
On defence, Josh Morrissey’s profile is that of a steady, heavily used defenceman. His 55 points in 77 games, five straight seasons with at least 100 blocked shots and career-high average ice time of 24:43 underline both offensive contribution and workload. He is viewed as a fringe top-25 fantasy defenceman with the potential to finish inside the top 20.
Goaltending is the headline uncertainty. Hellebuyck’s numbers since 2022-23 remain outstanding, but last season’s results were below his usual level. A 32-win projection reflects bounce-back potential, while his publicly stated desire for a trade remains a factor for fantasy managers to monitor.
Why It Matters
For fantasy managers, the preview separates dependable high-end options from bounce-back plays. Connor and Scheifele offer scoring consistency and proven chemistry, while Vilardi brings upside through his power-play role. Morrissey provides points and peripheral production from defence. Hellebuyck remains a high-ceiling goaltender, but his return to form and any movement arising from his trade request could affect his draft outlook. The projections offer a useful points-and-wins framework for pre-season drafts.
Mini Q&A
Is Connor Hellebuyck still a top fantasy goalie?
He carries bounce-back potential after a down season and is projected for 32 wins in 2026-27. His numbers since 2022-23 remain among the NHL’s best, although he has publicly expressed a desire to be traded.
How valuable are Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele together?
They were highly productive together: Connor and Scheifele factored on the same goal 65 times last season, the most among teammate duos. They are projected for 93 and 92 points respectively.
Which Jets player is identified as a breakout candidate?
Cole Perfetti is identified as the breakout candidate and is projected for 55 points. Vilardi is projected for 71 points after setting career highs across several major offensive categories last season.
Is Josh Morrissey worth drafting as a fantasy defenceman?
Morrissey is viewed as a fringe top-25 fantasy defenceman with upside to finish inside the top 20 after a 55-point season and career-high average ice time of 24:43.
Any other Jets to consider in drafts?
Cole Perfetti is listed as a breakout candidate at 55 projected points, Vladislav Namestnikov as a bounce-back candidate at 40, and Neal Pionk as a hits-and-blocks specialist at 35.
Coach Mark Comment
Connor and Scheifele’s shared production points to a combination that can continue to drive Winnipeg’s attack. Vilardi’s growth in power-play output and ice time also makes his usage worth watching, while Morrissey’s heavy workload remains central to his fantasy value.
What Comes Next
The 2026-27 regular season will be the primary checkpoint for these projections: whether Hellebuyck rebounds to approach the form that produced his 2024-25 Hart and Vezina seasons, whether Connor and Scheifele maintain their elite connection and point production, and whether Vilardi sustains his expanded role and power-play scoring.
IHM Final View
The rankings place Winnipeg’s fantasy strength in its leading forwards, with Vilardi and Morrissey adding useful upside and stability. Connor and Scheifele’s production together is the club’s clearest fantasy asset. Hellebuyck retains bounce-back potential, though last season’s numbers and his stated desire for a trade add uncertainty for draft decisions.