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.

Toronto scored two goals in the second period to pull within one of the Jets including a late power play goal from Matthews at 19:57. In the third period, Matias Maccelli tied the game with a perfect shot at 6:30 but Scheifele gave the Jets back the lead while on the power play just over two minutes later.

It seems it is simply not Winnipeg's year but if you're looking for signs the players or coaches have given up you won't find them.

Jets' Mark Scheifele breaks silence on being snubbed from Team Canada's Olympic hockey roster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Mark Scheifele had a case to make Team Canada's Olympic hockey roster.

In December, the Jets are 2-7-4, which is the second-worst record over that span. Their 45.8% expected goals share at five-on-five in those 13 games ranks 27th. According to MoneyPuck, the Jets' playoff chances have tumbled to 23.1%. Winnipeg is reeling, and it needs to find answers very quickly in 2026.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (18-15-6, 42 points) have won three of their last four games, going 3-0-1, as they host the slumping Winnipeg Jets (15-19-4, 34 points), losers of seven straight and 10 of 11,