The Winnipeg Jets welcomed some new faces into the fold Wednesday as NHL free agency got underway. The hockey club signed goalie Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract as speculation swirls on fellow netminder Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg. Skinner was asked about the trade rumours surrounding Hellebuyck during a conference call on Wednesday but said, “Rumours are just rumours until something happens.” “As of right now, me and Helle are teammates, which is so exciting. I mean, he’s the best goalie in the world, so it’s a great opportunity for me,” Skinner told reporters. “I think, again, with the thought process of growing my game and just becoming a better goalie and the type of culture that Winnipeg brings, it’s extremely exciting.” The 27-year-old split time between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers last season, appearing in 50 games. The Edmonton native wrapped up the 2025-26 campaign with a 23-17-9 record, a 2.92 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. Skinner said several factors played into his decision to sign in Winnipeg, although his exact role is still unclear. “It’s just the place that I really felt I wanted to go,” Skinner explained. “Talking about the teammates that are there, the type of culture, how it’s managed, ownership, everything like that is the exciting part for me.” He said he’s also looking forward to playing under the guidance of Jets goalie coach Wade Flaherty. “I’ve only heard amazing things about Wade, how he works with goalies, and the type of culture that he really brings into the tandem there… I’m really excited to get to work with him and really looking forward to it.” Skinner was drafted by Edmonton in the third round of the 2017 NHL draft and earned the second-most votes for the 2023 Calder Memorial Trophy, which is given to the league’s top rookie. Skinner helped the Oilers reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, though the team fell to the Florida Panthers in both series. Edmonton traded Skinner to Pittsburgh midway through last season, where he helped the Penguins reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022. However, the team was swept in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers. Skinner’s deal with Winnipeg will see him get paid $7.5 million over the next two seasons with a $3.75 million cap hit. “Playing against Winnipeg, I always felt it was a really hard building to play in, and the fans were amazing there,” Skinner added. “They’re always cheering on their Jets; they’re very passionate, and you know, that’s extremely exciting for me.” The Jets also shored up their defensive ranks by signing Mario Ferraro to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $4 million. “I trust this organization and they’ve had a good reputation over many years,” Ferraro told reporters on a conference call Thursday morning. “The number one priority is I want to win; I want to be on a team that’s in a position to do so, and I see that here in Winnipeg.” The left-handed blueliner appeared in all 82 games for the San Jose Sharks last season and led the team in blocked shots while averaging 21:02 in ice time. The 27-year-old Toronto native was drafted by the Sharks in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft and spent seven seasons in San Jose, where he racked up 24 goals and 90 assists for 114 points in 490 regular season games. “It’s tough to say goodbye [to San Jose], but I’m excited for the next chapter,” Ferraro said. “I’m ready to start the year as a Jet and I’m pumped up to win here.” Ferraro is expected to slot in on the Jets’ third pairing behind fellow lefties Josh Morrissey and Dylan Samberg. Winnipeg added some forward depth as well by signing Noah Gregor to a one-year, two-way contract on the first day of free agency. Gregor played 37 games for the Florida Panthers last season, finishing with four goals and five assists. He also put up 17 points in 26 games for the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Prior to his time in Florida, the 27-year-old played for the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Gregor has tallied 79 points in 330 career NHL games. In the meantime, a handful of now former Winnipeg Jets found new addresses on Wednesday. Goaltender Eric Comrie, who served as Hellebuyck’s backup over the past two seasons, inked a two-year deal with the San Jose Sharks. Three defencemen are also on the move. Ville Heinola signed a one-year pact with the Vegas Golden Knights, Jacob Bryson is joining the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year contract, and Colin Miller is heading to Switzerland to play for Lausanne HC.
