Jets routed in Anaheim, Dumba retires — Central Division roundup

The team atop the Central Division standings hit a wall in California. The Winnipeg Jets, first with 7 points in 5 games (3-1-1), suffered a 5–1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, their first defeat of the season in regulation.

Jets stumble in Anaheim, Connor still lights it up

Sportsnet reports that head coach Scott Arniel highlighted Kyle Connor as a rare bright spot after the loss, noting he often flies under the radar. Connor scored Winnipeg’s lone goal, his sixth of the season, in his 700th career NHL game, a total that has him tied for the league lead in goals so far.

According to Sportsnet, Anaheim’s win was built on a perfect penalty kill, going four-for-four down a man, and a quiet night for their defence, limiting the Jets to just 16 shots. Lukas Dostal stopped 15 of them, while Mikael Granlund and Tim Washe each recorded two points in what was described as a dominant Ducks performance.

Nationally, Winnipeg continues to draw attention as a revamped contender. Sportsnet notes that former NHL executive Doug MacLean sees the Jets looking like a playoff team, with Connor driving their attack. The Hockey News and other outlets also keep tracking the wider Connor Hellebuyck situation, though no actual trade movement has been reported.

Predators’ blue line in flux, Struble deal done

On the blue line in Nashville, the Predators’ acquisition of Jayden Struble for a 2027 second-round pick has already been covered on our site and was echoed by Daily Faceoff, Sportsnet and Eyes on the Prize. Daily Faceoff also reports that William Trudeau was placed on injured reserve after a game against Montreal, underlining the Predators’ defensive juggling early in the year.

Dumba retires, Nazar suspended; Mammoth and Stars in spotlight

In Minnesota, Daily Faceoff reports that Matt Dumba is retiring after 13 NHL seasons and 748 games, most of them with the Wild between 2013 and 2023, closing a significant chapter in the franchise’s recent history.

Chicago, last in the Central with 2 points in 5 games (1-4-0), will be without forward Frank Nazar after Sportsnet announced a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head.

Out in Utah, The Hockey News argues that Mammoth winger Dylan Guenther should already be viewed as a Rocket Richard Trophy threat based on his strong start, with Utah sitting third in the Central at 3-2-0. Dallas, meanwhile, is under the microscope at Daily Faceoff, which poses the question of whether it is Stanley Cup or bust for the Stars after last spring’s first-round exit, as they sit mid-pack at 2-2-0.

Rounding out the night, the Colorado Avalanche (second with 6 points in 4 games, 3-1-0) are drawing attention for their goaltending picture, with The Hockey Writers pointing out Scott Wedgewood’s 31 wins in 2025, and for an upcoming matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will be without John Tavares for family reasons, according to Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet.