The Winnipeg Jets have extended qualifying offers to seven players: Tyrrell Bauer, Isaac Phillips, Dylan Samberg, Morgan Barron, Parker Ford, Rasmus Kupari, and Gabe Vilardi. However, they have not extended offers to Simon Lundmark and Mason Shaw. Bauer, Phillips, and Ford mainly played in the AHL this season. Bauer, a 23-year-old right-handed defenseman, participated in 59 games with the Manitoba Moose and had two assists. Phillips, who was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks mid-season, scored three goals and earned eight points across 39 games. At 23, Phillips is a 6’3″ defensive defenseman with 56 NHL games under his belt. Ford earned his first NHL experience this season with one goal in three games while accumulating 14 goals and 21 points in 41 AHL games.
Samberg, Barron, Kupari, and Vilardi are restricted free agents who spent the 2024-25 season with the Jets. Kupari plans to play the next two seasons under coach Lugano in Switzerland but the Jets retain his rights through the qualifying offer if he returns to the NHL. Barron played 74 games for the Jets this season, contributing eight goals and 15 points as a valued fourth-line center known for his physical style. Samberg and Vilardi are crucial RFAs the Jets want to re-sign, with ongoing talks that appear promising. Samberg, 26, had a breakout 2024-25 season, averaging a career-high 21:08 in ice time and establishing himself as one of the NHL’s top defensive defenders.
Securing long-term contracts for Vilardi and Samberg is vital for the Jets’ sustained success. Lundmark and Shaw will become unrestricted free agents and could re-sign with the Jets, but signs suggest Lundmark may depart. Lundmark, 24 and a 2019 second-round pick, has yet to make his NHL debut and had a modest AHL season with limited development. Rumors link him back to the Swedish league SHL. Shaw, 26, had his first season in the Jets organization and scored 17 goals with 37 points in 72 AHL games but may seek a team offering clearer NHL opportunities. The qualifying offer amounts are as follows: Vilardi $3.6 million, Baron $1.4 million, Kupari $1.1 million, Ford $813,750, Samberg $1.5 million, Phillips $813,750, and Bauer $813,750.
Additionally, the Jets recently re-signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a two-year contract. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff faces a critical offseason with these restricted free agents, each bringing unique value to the team’s future plans.
Fan Take: This contract roundup highlights the Jets’ efforts to retain key young talent vital for their competitiveness and growth. Successfully signing these players could solidify the Jets’ defensive and offensive cores, influencing their push for playoff success and impacting the broader NHL landscape.
