The Winnipeg Jets have made history by clinching the NHL's Presidents' Trophy for the first time in franchise history, finishing the 2024-25 regular season as the top team in the league. This remarkable achievement was confirmed despite the Jets' 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on April 13, 2025. The Jets secured their spot at the summit of the NHL standings after the Washington Capitals fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier that same day, ensuring that Winnipeg could not be caught in the standings.
With a record of 55 wins, 24 losses, and 2 overtime losses, the Jets have amassed a total of 114 points this season, marking a significant turnaround for a team that many doubted at the beginning of the campaign. The Jets opened the season with an impressive 15-1-0 run, setting the tone for what would become a historic season. Their success has not only clinched the Presidents' Trophy but also guaranteed home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which are set to commence on April 19, 2025.
This season has been characterized by standout performances from several key players, most notably goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The veteran netminder has been exceptional, posting a record of 46 wins, 12 losses, and 3 overtime losses, along with a stellar .924 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average. Hellebuyck, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, is once again a strong candidate for the award and is likely to receive Hart Trophy consideration as well. His eight shutouts this season further underscore his dominance in the crease.
While Hellebuyck has been the backbone of the Jets' success, the team has also seen impressive contributions from its offensive players. Kyle Connor has emerged as a key figure, reaching a career-high of 96 points with 41 goals and 55 assists. Mark Scheifele is not far behind, contributing 85 points with 38 goals and 47 assists. In total, eleven players on the Jets roster have recorded 30 or more points this season, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.
Despite the accolades, there are some concerns among fans regarding the so-called "Presidents' Trophy curse," which suggests that teams finishing first in the regular season often struggle in the playoffs. Historically, only eight teams have won the Stanley Cup after claiming the Presidents' Trophy since its inception in 1986. The last team to achieve this feat was the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks, raising questions about whether the Jets can break this trend.
As the playoffs approach, the Jets will be looking to shake off their recent playoff disappointments. They have made the postseason for three consecutive years and seven times in the last eight seasons but have been eliminated in the first round in each of the past two years. Last season, they fell to the Vegas Golden Knights, and the year before that, they were ousted by the Colorado Avalanche, both in five-game series. The Jets will be eager to make a deeper run this time around and capitalize on their strong regular-season performance.
Looking ahead, the Jets will face one of the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, or Calgary Flames in the first round of the playoffs, but their first-round opponent is yet to be determined as the wild-card spots have not been clinched. The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the start of the postseason, hoping to witness their team’s first-ever Stanley Cup victory.
As the Jets prepare for their final game of the regular season against the Anaheim Ducks on April 16, 2025, they will be looking to build momentum heading into the playoffs. With the Presidents' Trophy secured, the focus will now shift to the ultimate goal: capturing the Stanley Cup. The Jets have proven they can compete with the best in the league, and with their combination of elite goaltending and offensive firepower, they certainly have the tools to make a serious playoff run.
In conclusion, the Winnipeg Jets have not only clinched the Presidents' Trophy but have also established themselves as a formidable contender for the Stanley Cup. With their first-round matchup looming, the excitement is building, and fans are hopeful that this could be the year the Jets finally bring the coveted trophy home to Winnipeg.
