The opening period belonged to Winnipeg, who dictated tempo early with a quick transition game and sharp puck movement. Alex Iafallo's power-play goal gave the Jets a 1-0 lead, but the Kings responded with composure rather than panic - tightening their defensive gaps and beginning to cycle effectively down low. Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was steady in the first, turning aside multiple dangerous chances, including a key save on Adrian Kempe late in the period.
One) The Central Division should be ultra-competitive in 2025-26. Two) The Jets have the oldest roster in the NHL and only got older this offseason. Related: NHL's Top 10 Centres for 2025-26: Preseason Update They let the 29-year-old Nikolaj Ehlers walk in free agency and signed 37-year-old Jonathan Toews, 36-year-old Gustav Nyquist, and 33-year-old Tanner Pearson. Those signings give the Jets an average of 30.17, the only NHL roster with an average age over 30 entering the 2025-26 season.
I was thinking about (a trade) for sure...I was ready for whatever could come, but nothing happened, so I'm here and I'm ready to show my best.
