Jets’ Practice Provides Glimpse at Probable 2026-27 Opening-Night Lines

The Winnipeg Jets’ Wednesday practice has provided a glimpse into their probable opening-night lines.

They skated line rushes at Hockey for All Centre as followed, two days after setting their 23-man roster and two days ahead of their 2026-27 season-opening matchup with the Boston Bruins at Canada Life Centre:

Forwards:

• Kyle Connor/Mark Scheifele/Cole Perfetti
• Isak Rosen/Viggo Bjorck/Gabriel Vilardi
• Morgan Barron/Adam Lowry/Brad Lambert
• Nino Niederreiter/Vladislav Namestnikov/Alex Iafallo
• Cole Koepke

Of note, Vilardi has been moved off the top line to serve as the veteran on the second-line with youngsters Rosen and Bjorck.

In a corresponding move, Perfetti has moved up to the top line to play with longtime linemates Connor and Scheifele.

Barron has been moved back to wing, at least for now, after playing more centre last season; he’ll skate with the stalwart third-line centre and captain Lowry and the speedy Lambert.

The fourth-line is veteran filled with Niederreiter, Namestnikov, and Iafallo combining for more than 2,400 games of NHL experience.

Defensemen:

• Josh Morrissey/Dylan DeMelo
• Dylan Samberg/Neal Pionk
• Mario Ferraro/Tyrel Bauer
• Haydn Fleury/Jack St. Ivany
• Elias Salomonsson

The top four is the same as last season, but the bottom pairing has gotten a big upgrade with the Ferraro offseason signing. Bauer, a fearsome enforcer on the back end, is set to make his Jets debut six years after being drafted in the sixth round.

Elias Salomonsson skated in a non-contact jersey as he continues to recover from surgery in May.

Goaltenders:

• Stuart Skinner
• Clay Stevenson

With Connor Hellebuyck refusing to report to the Jets and his trade-request saga ongoing, offseason signing Skinner and recent waiver pickup Stevenson will tend the Jets’ goal.

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