Depth defenseman sidelined after surgery, straining already thin blue line. Prospects called up as Jets face offensive juggernaut.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Winnipeg Jets in an NHL game on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 (1/17/26) at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Blackhawks look to stop a three-game skid when they take on the Winnipeg Jets. Chicago has a 6-4-1 record in Central Division play and a 19-22-7 record overall. The Blackhawks have a 6-7-4 record in games decided by one goal.

The Winnipeg Jets were hockey’s best regular-season team in 2024-25, finishing with a 56-22-4 record and 116 points and winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

When the Toronto Maple Leafs arrived in Winnipeg Friday night, the temperature was cold but a sight warmed them up. Leafs fans greeted them at the team hotel, followed up by plenty of fans cheering for them at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.

The Winnipeg Jets enter 2026 on the other end of the NHL standings from where they were beginning 2025. Not only are the 2024-25 Presidents' Trophy winners not in a playoff spot, but the Jets are last in the Central Division, the Western Conference and the entire NHL.

“Some days you feel outnumbered and, holy moly, you’re in it,” DeMelo said. “But it’s all a blessing. It’s an amazing ride. All of the snuggles, all of the cries, all of the diaper changes, all of the laughs, it’s all worth it in the end.” Eric Comrie remembers calling his wife, Haley, from the road when their daughter, Capri, was a baby.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Colin Miller has undergone knee surgery recently and is now listed as week-to-week, as reported by head coach Scott Arniel. T.