Winnipeg Jets announce 2026 pre-season schedule against 2 top opponents

The Winnipeg Jets have unveiled their 2026 pre-season schedule, marking a significant shift in how the team prepares for the upcoming campaign. The schedule includes two high-profile matchups against the Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche, two of the most dominant teams in the league. These games will take place over a condensed seven-day period, featuring both home and away contests. This format represents a departure from previous years, as the Jets aim to streamline their pre-season preparations while also providing fans with opportunities to see their team compete against top-tier opposition early in the year.

The Jets' 2026 pre-season will consist of just four games, a reduction from past seasons. This change comes alongside the NHL’s decision to expand the regular season to 84 games for the 2026-27 campaign. The Jets will open their exhibition slate on September 19 with a road game against the Edmonton Oilers. Following this contest, the team will return to Winnipeg for a pair of games against the Colorado Avalanche on consecutive nights—September 21 and September 22. Both of these games will be held at the Canada Life Centre and will kick off at 7:00 PM central time. These matches will be broadcast on local radio stations 680 CJOB and Power 97, ensuring accessibility for fans across the region.

The final pre-season game for the Jets is scheduled for September 25, when they will face the Colorado Avalanche once again in Denver. This matchup will take place at the Ball Arena and will begin at 7:30 PM. Unlike the earlier games, this one will be exclusively broadcast on Power 97, highlighting its significance as a key exhibition contest. This game marks the first time since the NHL's return to Winnipeg in 2011 that the Jets have faced the Avalanche in a pre-season setting. Given the Avalanche's recent success, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy in the previous season, this matchup is expected to draw considerable attention from hockey enthusiasts and media alike.

The announcement of the pre-season schedule follows the usual pattern where the NHL releases its full regular season schedule in late June or early July. However, the timing of this particular release suggests that the Jets are aiming to provide clarity to fans and stakeholders well ahead of the traditional deadline. This move could indicate a broader trend within the league toward more transparent communication regarding schedules and other organizational matters.

The inclusion of the Oilers and Avalanche in the Jets’ pre-season lineup underscores the competitive nature of the Central Division, which has become increasingly fierce in recent years. Both teams have consistently performed at a high level, making them natural rivals for the Jets. By facing these teams before the regular season begins, the Jets can gauge their readiness against some of the toughest competition in the league. Additionally, such matchups offer valuable exposure for the team, particularly for younger players looking to make an impression in front of scouts and fans.

As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Jets perform in these pre-season games. Their ability to adapt to new scheduling formats and maintain competitiveness against elite teams will be crucial factors in determining their success throughout the year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Jets can build momentum heading into the regular season, especially given the expanded number of games and the increased pressure on teams to deliver consistent performance.