The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers, and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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Make sure to check out the Winnipeg Jets team page here: Winnipeg Jets – DobberProspects

To view past 32s go here: https://dobberprospects.com/category/feature/32-in-32-series/

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The Winnipeg Jets won the President’s Trophy as the team that finished with the most points during the regular season. They had Connor Hellebuyck be his usual self and win the Vezina and Hart Trophies. The team and players have achieved outstanding accomplishments, but that’s where it ends. They won one round in the 2025 NHL Playoffs, barely beating the St. Louis Blues in a Game 7 OT thriller. The Dallas Stars then eliminated them in six games. Once again, unable to find a way to beat the stronger high-end, more playoff-built teams in the Western Conference.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Jets face many doubters, despite being the NHL’s top regular-season team in 2024-25, and for good reason. The additions of Jonathan Toews, Tanner Pearson and Gustav Nyquist will not make up for the loss of Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. On top of that, bringing in three veteran forwards also takes potential opportunities away from the Jets’ prospects who are going to deserve a chance at NHL playing time in the very near future. Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, and Brayden Yager are at the top of that list, but what better mentor to have than Jonathan Toews?

A big opportunity could await Nikita Chibrikov (if fully healthy) on the third line with the exit of Mason Appleton, who signed a two-year, $5.8 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Players like Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Cole Koepke, and Samuel Fagemo are more likely options on the fourth line and do not count out Parker Ford for a fourth-line role or top-of-the-list injury call-up from the Manitoba Moose. Still, Alex Iafallo is playing; he can play up and down the lineup. A training camp battle awaits. Let’s see how it all shakes out. Another opportunity to start the season could be on the aforementioned third line, replacing captain Adam Lowry at center, who is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to off-season hip surgery. Will Brad Lambert earn this opportunity, or does Brayden Yager impress during training camp and jump ahead of Lambert as the next man up?

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NHL Draft Recap

Round 1, 28th overall: Sascha Boumedienne, LHD

Boudmedienne may not blow you away with his offensive numbers, but he is a high-end defensive prospect. He is touted as an offense-minded defenseman who projects as a power play option. His puck skills, speed, and willingness to make high-risk, high-reward plays make him a prospect to watch. He needs to continue working on his defensive game and become more consistent on the end of the ice. There is a lot to like about Boumedienne’s game, but he needs time and opportunity to excel and take the next step in his development. The Winnipeg Jets have no reason to rush him, with the draft out of the way. Expect a big year from Boumedienne in 2025-26 at Boston University. He projects as a second-pairing defenseman with offensive upside and can play a role on the second power play unit. It will be his defensive development that determines whether he can be effective at the NHL level in 5-on-5 play. Add Boumedienne as one of your prospects on your dynasty team and wait for him to turn pro, like most young defenseman prospects in fantasy leagues. Be patient. He will prove his fantasy value when his time arrives as a full-time NHL player. 

Round 3, 92nd overall: Owen Martin, C

Martin, who has developed into a key part of the Spokane Chiefs’ roster in the Western Hockey League, will be called upon for a more significant role during the 2025-26 season for Spokane. The 18-year-old recorded 34 points (13 goals and 21 assists) in 39 games and also produced 12 points (six goals and six assists) in 20 playoff games.

The Winnipeg Jets’ third-round pick (92nd overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, Martin is a skilled two-way center who plays well in all three zones. He is underrated offensively, and it would not be a surprise to see his offensive numbers significantly increase during the 2025-26 season. He can contribute to both special teams units and is strong in the faceoff circles. Martin needs to develop his defensive game, become more physical, and not be afraid to take more risks offensively to help round out his overall game. He has the makings of a reliable third-line center, similar to Adam Lowry at the NHL level.

Martin could be available in your dynasty leagues (as he is only 9% owned in Fantrax leagues). However, if he takes a massive step offensively this season, he should be a player to add to your roster and stash. So, have him on your watch list and track him early in the 2025-26 season.

Round 5, 156th overall: Viktor Klingsell, RW

Do not let his size, or lack thereof, fool you; Klingsell is a naturally gifted playmaker, not known for his shooting, but a potential perfect complement to fellow Winnipeg Jets’ prospect Colby Barlow. Klingsell possesses a high hockey IQ, excellent vision throughout the ice, and has the potential to become a solid middle-six forward with power play usage in the NHL. He will play for Skellefteå AIK U20 in U20 Nationell during the 2025-26 season. Roster Klingsell in dynasty and be patient; you could end up with a solid fantasy option once he makes the move to North America and adapts to the pro game.

Round 6, 188th overall: Edison Engle, LHD

 The Winnipeg Jets selected Edison Engle in the 6th round (188th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. After a season and a half in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers & Dubuque Fighting Saints. Engle signed with the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs on June 28, 2025, and will play in the OHL during the 2025-26 season before heading to Ohio State University for the 2026-27 season. His late-round pedigree and expected time of arrival leave him well off the fantasy radar in all leagues, including deep dynasty leagues. 

Round 7, 220th overall: Jacob Cloutier, RW

The Winnipeg Jets selected Cloutier in the 7th round (220th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft. Cloutier’s offensive game is trending in the positive direction, and he plays a fast, physical, and intense style of game. The 5-10, 171-pound winger played 67 games with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2024-25 season, scoring 47 points (23 goals and 24 assists) and was named to the OHL’s Second All-Rookie Team. Cloutier does not need to be rostered in any fantasy league.

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Off-Season Moves

Incoming

Samuel Fagemo, LW/RW – One-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Mason Shaw, C – was not qualified, but signed a one-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Walker Duehr, RW – One-year, $775 000 (two-way contract)

Isaac Poulter, G – One-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Gustav Nyquist, LW/RW – One-year, $3.25 million (one-way contract)

Jonathan Toews, C – One-year, $2.0 million (one-way contract)

Kale Clague, D – One-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Cole Koepke, LW/RW – One-year, $1.0 million (one-way contract)

Tanner Pearson, LW – One-year, $1.0 million (one-way contract)

Phillip Di Giuseppe, LW/RW – One-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Outgoing

Chris Driedger – Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL)

Rasmus Kupari – HC Lugano (Swiss NL)

Dominic Toninato – Chicago Blackhawks (two-year, $1.7 million)

Brandon Tanev – Utah Mammoth (three-year, $7.5 million)

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby – Brynas IF (SHL)

Dylan Coghlan – Vegas Golden Knights (one year, $775,000)

Simon Lundmark – Tampa Bay Lightning (two-year, $1.55 million)

Mason Appleton – Detroit Red Wings (two-year, $5.8 million)

Nikolaj Ehlers – Carolina Hurricanes (six-year, $51 million)

Re-Signed

Dylan Samberg, D – Three-year, $17.25 million ($5.75 AAV) (one-way contract)

Gabe Vilardi, C/RW – Six-year, $45 million ($7.5 AAV) (one-way contract)

Parker Ford, C/RW – Two-year, $1.625 million ($812,500 AAV) (two-way contract)

Tyrel Bauer, D – One-year, $775,000 (two-way contract)

Isaak Phillips, D -Two-year, $1.625 million ($812,500 AAV) (two-way contract)

Haydn Fleury, D – Two-year $1.9 million ($950,000 AAV) (one-way contract)

Signed to Entry-Level Contract

Alfons Freij, D – Three-year, $2,717,499 million ($905,300 AAV)

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In the System

Risers

Kieron Walton, C/LW – The most obvious riser of the Winnipeg Jets prospects. Winnipeg’s sixth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (187th overall), Kieron Walton. During the 2024-25 campaign, Walton led the Wolves in goals, assists, and points, finishing ninth in OHL scoring with 38 goals and 54 assists for 92 points in 66 games. He added five points in four playoff games (one goal and four assists).

Walton has garnered more attention in fantasy after a breakout junior season; although the numbers are a vast improvement, his size is compelling, drawing comparisons to Tage Thompson. Let’s see if he can consistently put up these offensive numbers again in junior and then in the AHL as the competition gets more challenging.

The Jets are a franchise seemingly reluctant to play their prospects at the NHL level, compounded by the fact that Brad Lambert and Brayden Yager sit above Walton on the center depth chart. He is still a long-term project, but he is trending in the right direction. The Jets may have found their next Adam Lowry, which is a worst-case scenario. Walton will play in the Ontario Hockey League during the 2025-26 season and may have the opportunity to transition to AHL action after his OHL campaign concludes. 

Domenic DiVincentiis, G – When you have Connor Hellybuyck in the net, your goaltending prospects will not get much attention, but give credit where it is due. The Winnipeg Jets’ top goaltending prospect, albeit in a very shallow pool, DiVincentiis started the 2024-25 season with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League before being sent down to the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals when the Jets re-acquired Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche. When Thomas Milic struggled in the AHL, DiVincentiis was recalled back to the Moose in late January and played the majority of the remaining games for the Moose.

DiVincentiis will need to cement the role as a starter with the Moose and hope the team in front of him improves significantly. He will battle Thomas Milic in the crease for starts during the 2025-26 season. DiVincentiis possesses the agility and athleticism and has good technical tools, but is a long way from fantasy relevance. Still, he can put together two or three strong seasons in the American Hockey League and continue to develop positively, which would make him a viable option to earn a second contract with the Winnipeg Jets and serve as a backup goaltender behind Connor Hellebuyck toward the end of his current contract.

Elias Salomonsson, RHD – Plays hockey the right way. He is still developing, but he continues to project upward year after year. Salomonsson did not disappoint last season, his inaugural season in North America. He played 53 regular-season games in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose, producing 27 points (five goals and 22 assists). While it can be difficult to project and get excited for a defenseman to crack the NHL roster with the Winnipeg Jets, Salomonsson has the best chance of any of their young defensemen in 2025-26. If he does not make the Jets’ opening night roster, another season with an improved Manitoba Moose team would give him more time to develop and thrive in all situations. Ensure he is rostered; there is no reason for him to be available in any dynasty league. You will have to use patience, like most non-elite defensemen prospects, but once he can become a full-time NHL player, he will provide value in multiple categories.

Kevin He, LW – Every team needs a Kevin He. Kevin broke out offensively in 2024-25 as captain of the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 75 points (36 goals and 39 assists) in 62 regular-season games. He needs to become more consistent offensively and prove his 2024-25 offensive breakout was not just a one-off, and remain disciplined as his career progresses. Kevin plays the style of game and has the explosiveness and speed that could see him become a middle-six forward at the NHL level and see usage on both the power play and penalty kill, which can make him a viable fantasy option. Kevin is worth rostering in deep dynasty leagues, as he is trending offensively in the right direction. Another year in the Ontario Hockey League for the 19-year-old before potentially getting a chance at American Hockey League action with the Manitoba Moose to end the 2025-26 season is not out of the question. 

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Fallers

Thomas Milic, G – The Winnipeg Jets will look for Milic to re-establish himself in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose during the 2025-26 season. Last season, the 22-year-old Milic split his season between the AHL and ECHL. However, he only saw positive results in the ECHL with the Norfolk Admirals, although the team in front of him in the AHL did not do him any favours. Milic and fellow Jets goaltending prospect Domenic DiVincentiis are expected to tandem in net for Manitoba to open the 2025-26 season, with Isaac Coulter and Alex Worthington tending twine in the ECHL.

Milic is well off the fantasy radar in all leagues, including dynasty. With Connor Hellebuyck under contract with the Jets for the long term and veteran Eric Comrie as the backup, there is no need for the Jets organization to panic or rush Milic’s development. A successful season would be staying at the AHL level for the entire season and taking the starter’s role for the Moose.

Ville Heinola, LHD – Yeah, he is still on the Jets roster, so maybe this is his last season in Winnipeg. He needs a change of scenery. Not much else to say here. Anyone who is into fantasy hockey knows how little Heinola has played the last few seasons. If you want to read more about him, click here. Ville Heinola – DobberProspects

Dmitri Rashevsky, RW – Not coming to North America? That warrants the title of “faller”. Rashevsky’s contract with HC Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League expired at the end of the 2024-25 season. He remained unsigned by the Winnipeg Jets and signed a three-year offer sheet with Avangard Omsk. In June 2025, Dynamo Moscow confirmed that he had left Dynamo for Avangard due to monetary compensation.

Rashevsky has proven to be a reliable, hard-nosed power forward in the KHL, capable of producing offensively with back-to-back 40-point campaigns. In four seasons with HC Dynamo Moscow, he has averaged 39 points, 20.25 goals (with a low of 19, achieved three times), and 18.75 assists per season. If Rashevsky plays out the complete three-year deal, he would not be available to join the Jets until he is 28 years old.

If the Jets could get Rashevsky to North America, he could immediately slot into a top-nine forward role in Winnipeg, providing immediate fantasy value. However, the chances of Rashevsky ever playing for the Jets organization look slim at this point.

Danny Zhilkin, C – Zhilkin finished his second season with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League, much like his rookie season statistically. He played in 53 games and produced 10 points (three goals and seven assists). A skilled skater who excels in the transition game, moving pucks up ice with his quick feet and shifty hands. He needs to improve his overall hockey IQ, defensive skills, and playmaking abilities to be considered for a roster spot in the NHL. He has two seasons left on his current contract with the Jets. Until he improves at the AHL level, there is not much to see here; therefore, there is no need to consider Zhilkin in fantasy hockey, even as a deep dynasty prospect stash. 

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Likely to see NHL action

High

Nikita Chibrikov, LW/RW – An opening on the third line with the Mason Appleton departure, can play up and down the lineup. If fully healthy, he should not see AHL action in 2025-26.

Brad Lambert, C/RW – An early-season injury to Adam Lowry creates an opportunity to stick with the Jets early in the 2025-26 season and earn valuable playing experience and mentorship from Jonathan Toews. There is a possibility that he could stay in the NHL for the entire 2025-26 season.

Medium

Brayden Yager, C – It’s too early; give him time in the American Hockey League with the Moose to build chemistry with other prospects like Colby Barlow.

Elias Salomonsson, RHD – If only there were an opening on the blue line, if Ville Heinoa cannot crack the Jets lineup, I do not see the Jets coaching staff trusting Salomonsson enough not to have him spend the 2025-26 season in the American Hockey League earning valuable minutes and playing in all situations.

Parker Ford, C/RW – While he will not provide much in fantasy, Ford could play his way into a bottom-six NHL role if injuries occur or players fail to live up to expectations.

Low

Colby Barlow, LW – A goal-scoring power forward who can play the power play, seems like an easy replacement for Nikolaj Ehlers on the second line left wing and second power play unit. No, do not get your hopes up; it would be fun and make him an instant fantasy contributor, but Barlow needs time in the American Hockey League; his time will come.

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Top 20 Prospects

This section is intended to paint a picture of the Winnipeg Jets prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list.

1. Brayden Yager
2. Elias Salomonsson
3. Brad Lambert
4. Nikita Chibrikov
5. Colby Barlow
6. Sascha Boumedienne
7. Kieron Walton
8. Alfons Freij
9. Owen Martin
10. Kevin He
11. Viktor Klingsell
12. Ville Heinola
13. Dmitri Rashevsky
14. Markus Loponen
15. Parker Ford
16. Jacob Julien
17. Domenic DiVincentiis
18. Samuel Fagemo
19. Jaret Anderson-Dolan
20. Thomas Milic

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Final Thoughts

The Winnipeg Jets are expected to return to the playoffs again in the 2025-26 season. It will be difficult, but not impossible, for the Jets’ prospects to play in the NHL this season. Injuries happen; that is the most likely way for them to get a chance. Still, with the re-signing and signing of veteran players this off-season, Winnipeg looks content letting their prospects that are close to cracking the NHL lineup get as much time in the farm system as possible and earn valuable minutes in the American Hockey League with Manitoba Moose, all the better for the Moose, who will look to rebound from a dismal 2024-25 season, but not ideal for fantasy owners who roster the Winnipeg Jets prospects in their fantasy hockey leagues. If you’re invested in a Jets prospect, use patience. If you’re looking to win now, use them in a trade for a right-now player to a team in rebuilding mode. Prospects with fantasy impact are emerging from the Jets’ system, but none are elite options that will make a significant difference on your fantasy team at this time.

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Thank you for reading! Follow me on X @markrhenry for more Winnipeg Jets prospect content.