Depth defenseman sidelined after surgery, straining already thin blue line. Prospects called up as Jets face offensive juggernaut.

The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Winnipeg Jets in an NHL game on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 (1/17/26) at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.

23 seconds after that, Auston Matthews was left alone in the slot and he beat Connor Hellebuyck to cut in to the Jets lead at 9:22. The Jets carried a 2-1 lead into third period and early into the final frame, Nino Niederreiter scored his first goal since November 29 as he converted on a rebound in front of Hildeby to make it 3-1.

Two of the league's hottest teams unleash potent offenses. Can Winnipeg's balanced attack cool Toronto's scorching streak?

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.

The Winnipeg Jets were hockey’s best regular-season team in 2024-25, finishing with a 56-22-4 record and 116 points and winning the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Colin Miller is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, with head coach Scott Arniel confirming a week-to-week recovery. Miller sustained the injury during a game against the New Jersey Devils on January 10.

There will be over 20 Blackhawks alumni in attendance, all of whom won the Cup with Chicago in 2010, 2013, and/or 2015. A pregame ceremony hosted by Pat Foley will take place after warmups. The Boston Bruins came into 2025-26 with mixed expectations.