Winnipeg Jets Set for 2026 NHL Draft with Eight Overall Pick

The Winnipeg Jets are gearing up for the 2026 NHL Draft, armed with seven selections, highlighted by the eighth-overall pick. This marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, as it represents their highest draft position since they selected Patrik Laine second overall in 2016. With anticipation building, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his scouting team are poised to make strategic moves that could shape the future of the team.

The Jets will not have a second-round pick, as their original choice at No. 39 overall now belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This pick was part of the March 2025 trade that brought veteran defenseman Luke Schenn to Winnipeg. However, they will return to the draft stage in the third round, where they hold the No. 71 overall selection.

In addition to the third round, Winnipeg’s fourth-round strategy has been affected as well. Their original pick at No. 103 overall has been transferred to the Montreal Canadiens following a series of trades involving the New Jersey Devils. Nonetheless, the Jets do possess a fourth-round selection at No. 116 overall, which was originally the Edmonton Oilers’ pick before it changed hands through Boston and Buffalo.

The Jets also have an additional seventh-round selection, picking at No. 220 overall, which originally belonged to the Buffalo Sabres. This gives Winnipeg a robust set of picks to enhance their prospect pipeline, especially after making five selections in the previous draft.

The complete list of the Jets’ selections for the 2026 NHL Draft includes: Round 1: No. 8 overall; Round 3: No. 71 overall; Round 4: No. 116 overall (from Edmonton via Boston and Buffalo); Round 5: No. 135 overall; Round 6: No. 167 overall; Round 7: No. 199 overall; and Round 7: No. 220 overall (from Buffalo).

As the draft approaches, the Jets’ reliance on their drafting strategy becomes increasingly crucial. Under Cheveldayoff’s management, the organization has built much of its core internally, with players like Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Cole Perfetti, and Connor Hellebuyck all being products of the Jets’ development system.

The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is set for Friday, June 26, with Rounds 2-7 following on Saturday, June 27, marking a significant opportunity for the Jets to continue their growth and development.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.