The Winnipeg Jets have been one of the best teams all year as they sit in second place in the Central Division, trailing the Dallas Stars by three points and leading the Colorado Avalanche by seven points. Even with their success so far, they will be one of the more active teams leading up to the March 3rd trade deadline. The Jets are Stanley Cup contenders and have a serious shot at winning it all, but just like all the other contenders around the league, they will be looking to make one or two additions along the way. Adding defense and some secondary scoring are the two most significant needs for Winnipeg, as the deadline is less than three weeks away, and the trade market is heating up.
One name that has come up a lot over the last few weeks in trade talks around the league is Philadelphia Flyers forward, Kevin Hayes. He has generated a lot of buzz as he is enjoying a strong 2022-23 season, and the Flyers will most likely cash in while his value is high. According to The Fourth Period, the Winnipeg jets have entered the conversation as they are expressing interest in the Massachusetts native.
Hayes is no stranger to the Winnipeg Jets as they acquired him at the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline as a rental. Fast forward some years later, and it looks like history could repeat itself, but this time, Hayes would not be a rental. He is still under contract until after the 2025-2026 season and would factor into the Jets’ core for a few years.
Kevin Hayes would be a substantial addition to the Jets as he could slide right into their top and provide scoring and play-making abilities. Through 53 games this season, he has collected 17 goals and 47 points. Thanks to his solid stats, the 30-year-old was named to his first-ever All-Star game.
Two things are evident as the trade deadline approaches, the Flyers are looking towards the future and want to unload veteran players, while the Jets are ready to add talent to help with a playoff run. It is all up to the Jets’ general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to get a deal done and form the best possible team to help return the Stanley Cup to Winnipeg.
