The Winnipeg Jets were on the search for a second-line center at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, but after a deal with Brock Nelson was nixed by the player, the Jets left a vital deadline without fixing a glaring need.

Now heading into the offseason, the Jets desperately need to find a second-line center, especially if Adam Lowry is going to miss a couple of months to start the season. Jonathan Toews has been linked to the Jets, but at 37 years old and without game action for two full seasons, relying on Toews to be a potent offensive player is a big ask.

The free agent market isn’t filled with star players like it is in some offseasons, but there are still multiple players who could be impactful and help the Jets take the next step offensively. 

The Big Fish:

Sam Bennett is the most sought-after center on the market, even though recent reports from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta suggest an eight-year, $8M contract extension with the Florida Panthers is imminent. He’d be the perfect complement for Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is a pure offensive center, and although Bennett is not known as a defensive specialist, his physical nature can force opponents to play tougher matchups against Bennett and free up Scheifele to take advantage of lesser matchups. 

Bennett would also be a great linemate for Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers if he re-signs. The 28-year-old currently leads the NHL Playoffs in goals with 14 and leads his team in points with 21. Bennett’s career-high in goals and points in the regular season is just 28 and 51, but with an increased role, many experts believe Bennett could add more offence to his game. 

Offensive Dynamos:

Dallas Stars’ Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund highlight ultra-offensive talents that the Jets can target on the free-agent market. Both Duchene and Granlund are expected to re-sign with the Stars, but Jim Nill has a lot of work to do to fit them under the salary cap. If he can’t do it or the players grow impatient, the Jets could take advantage.

Duchene recorded 30 goals and 82 points this season, driving them offensively at times during the regular season. His offensive game would mesh nicely with Ehlers’ speed and Perfetti’s playmaking.

Granlund, while listed at just 5’10, has proven that size is not an issue for him. The 33-year-old scored 22 goals and 66 points in 83 games this season with the Stars and the San Jose Sharks. He also proved to be a stellar playoff performer, recording five goals and 10 points in 18 games. With lots of skill and solid defensive metrics, Granlund makes a lot of sense for the Jets. 

Lower Cap Hit and Safe Two-Way Center:

Pius Suter is coming off a career season with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as the team’s second-line center after they traded J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. He set career-highs in goals and points with 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. The 29-year-old plays a smart two-way game but is quietly very skilled with the puck. He’s been an effective third-line center throughout his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, but if last season was any indication, Suter could take another step forward, becoming a consistent and reliable second-line center. 

Older Former Superstars With Plenty Still To Give:

All signs point to Claude Giroux and John Tavares remaining with their hometown teams, but in the NHL offseason, anything can happen. Giroux has transitioned into more of a winger as he’s gotten older but has continued to be effective in the faceoff dot. The 37-year-old scored 15 goals and 50 points in 81 games this season, including another goal and five points in six playoff games. With over 1200 games of NHL experience, Giroux is a safe bet to be a good contributor at 5-on-5 with the skilled forwards the Jets have.

Tavares is coming off another exceptional season despite many people once again predicting that he would take a step back. In 75 games, the 34-year-old poured in 38 goals and 74 points. While his foot speed isn’t what it used to be, he’s still as strong as ever and dangerous in front of the opponent’s net. His puck skills remain phenomenal, and his hockey IQ has not wavered whatsoever. 

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