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Winnipeg Jets Updated Top 10 Prospects - Feb. 24 2025 - Vol. 78, Issue 08 - Jared Clinton

ROADBLOCKS AREN’T JUST A fixture during Winnipeg summers, they also exist during the Jets’ season. Given the team’s title aspirations and veteran-laden lineup, serious obstacles stand in the way of youth seeking to break through. But Jets director of player development Jimmy Roy sees it as a positive if Winnipeg’s top prospects hunger to take minutes off of established big-league talent. “Any young player, you want to be in the NHL right now, and if you don’t compare yourself to those players that are there, then you’re far off,” Roy said. “That’s what you need to do with your mindset.”

1 BRAYDEN YAGER

C, 20, 6-0, 170

Lethbridge (WHL)

Trade (Pit), Aug. 22, 2024

OVERALL 23

Wearing the ‘C’ at the WJC was a signifier of Yager’s experience but also came with expectations: he was to be relied upon for offense. Despite logging the second-most ice time among Canadian forwards, though, he had just three points in five WJC games. But the Jets believe it’s only a blip for Yager, who was acquired from Pittsburgh in a swap for Rutger McGroarty. Yager’s gifts have long been apparent, and Winnipeg is high on his ability to find open ice and create space.

2 BRAD LAMBERT

C, 21, 6-2, 180

Manitoba (AHL)

2022 draft, 30th overall

OVERALL 78

After Lambert had 55 points in the AHL last season, his decline in production will worry some, but not the Jets’ brass. He had a one-game taste of the NHL last season and earned another four-game call-up this year. He is working to improve the finer details of his game. Given his one-time standing as a projected top-five pick, there was never doubt about his offense. The elements he’s working on – like competing for pucks and using his strength – put him on a path to regular NHL duty.

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3 NIKITA CHIBRIKOV

RW, 22, 5-11, 193

Manitoba (AHL)

2021 draft, 50th overall

OVERALL 80

Chibrikov wowed in Manitoba last year with an unexpected 47-point output as an AHL rookie. That helped him make his NHL debut last season, where he scored his first big-league goal. Chibrikov again turned heads with two goals during a four-game stint with the Jets in December. Roy expects the energetic and enthusiastic Chibrikov to force himself into the Jets’ lineup. “He plays hard,” Roy said. “Has a good shot. He’s got good vision, skill. He’s going to be an NHL player one day.”

4 COLBY BARLOW

LW, 20, 6-1, 190

Oshawa (OHL)

2023 draft, 18th overall

OVERALL 81

Barlow’s pure goal-scoring ability, which starts with a heavy and accurate shot, leaps off the page. He’s backed it up with consecutive 40-goal seasons in the OHL, too, and the transferability of his offensive instincts was evident in his three-point cameo with the AHL’s Moose last season. The Jets like Barlow’s competitiveness and leadership qualities, which “pulls players into the fight,” said Roy. And the Jets were also encouraged by his work to improve his skating and conditioning.

5 ELIAS SALOMONSSON

D, 20, 6-2, 189

Manitoba (AHL)

2022 draft, 55th overall

Injuries have hindered Salomonsson’s first AHL campaign, but there have been glimpses of the tremendous upside he possesses. His shot, both in power and precision, is a useful tool, but his best asset remains his skating. He moves about the ice with such ease and gracefulness that, given room, he can act as a one-man defensive-zone escape artist. What will get him to the next level? “Doing things at a little higher pace,” Roy said. “He’s growing and understanding the physicality and strength needed to play in the (NHL).”

6 ALFONS FREIJ

D, 19, 6-1, 187

Bjorkloven (Swe.2)

2024 draft, 37th overall

Puck-moving blueliner with good shot needs to get stronger on his skates.

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7 CHAZ LUCIUS (*Now Retired*)

C, 21, 6-2, 185

Manitoba (AHL)

2021 draft, 18th overall

Talent is evident, but he needs game time. Injuries have cost him dearly.

8 KEVIN HE

LW, 18, 6-0, 180

Niagara (OHL)

2024 draft, 109th overall

Great combination of skill and work ethic. Named Niagara captain this season.

9 KIERON WALTON

LW, 18, 6-6, 216

Sudbury (OHL)

2024 draft, 187th overall

Has the frame of a throwback power forward and skill set of a deft playmaker.

10 JACOB JULIEN

C, 20, 6-4, 190

London (OHL)

2023 draft, 146th overall

Builds from own zone outward, even if that means sacrificing offense.

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