--- title: "Jets plug blue line, bottom six, and goalie questions with Ferraro, Gregor, Skinner" description: "Three free-agent pickups—Mario Ferraro, Noah Gregor, and Stuart Skinner—land in Winnipeg to shore up roster holes and shape the Jets’ playoff outlook for 2026-27." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/get-to-know-jets-2026-free-agent-signings-ferraro-gregor-783c6d29 published: 2026-07-02T16:13:34.273+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T16:13:34.273+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Jets plug blue line, bottom six, and goalie questions with Ferraro, Gregor, Skinner > Three free-agent pickups—Mario Ferraro, Noah Gregor, and Stuart Skinner—land in Winnipeg to shore up roster holes and shape the Jets’ playoff outlook for 2026-27. The Winnipeg Jets opened free agency by signing three NHL players on July 1, addressing roster gaps that could decide their 2026-27 playoff push. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff secured defenseman Mario Ferraro on a three-year deal averaging $4 million annually, forward Noah Gregor on a one-year pact worth $850,000, and goaltender Stuart Skinner on a two-year contract at $3.75 million per season. Ferraro arrives with two-way credentials and playoff experience, directly reinforcing a blue line that lacked depth beyond the top pair. Gregor slots into the bottom six, providing a proven middle-six forward at a discount, while Skinner’s size and contract length give Winnipeg insurance against trade rumors swirling around Connor Hellebuyck. The moves follow a season where the Jets’ blue-line minutes were unevenly distributed, bottom-six production lagged outside the top line, and goaltending remained a question mark. Ferraro’s ability to play heavy minutes and kill penalties addresses both the minutes crunch and special-teams needs. Gregor’s speed and net-front presence add a different look to a lineup that leaned on speed in transition. Skinner’s 6-foot-3 frame and 2.70 goals-against average over 26 starts last season project as a stabilizing presence behind Hellebuyck. Cheveldayoff framed the signings as pragmatic upgrades rather than splash moves. “We needed to add to our blue line, bring competition to the crease, and add depth up front,” he told reporters at the time. “These players fit the Jets’ identity and give us more options as we head into camp.” The Jets' strategy reflects a broader trend in the NHL where teams are increasingly prioritizing depth over star power, especially in a salary cap era. With Ferraro, Gregor, and Skinner, Winnipeg is betting on a balanced approach that could yield dividends in a grueling 82-game season. The depth added by these three players not only enhances the roster but also allows for greater flexibility in line combinations, which could be pivotal in matchups against division rivals. Moreover, the Jets' moves signal a commitment to building a competitive team while navigating the uncertainty surrounding Hellebuyck’s future. If the franchise decides to trade their star goalie, Skinner’s acquisition becomes even more crucial, as it provides a safety net and a potential future starter. This proactive approach may also encourage other players to elevate their game, knowing that the competition for spots has intensified. What’s next: Training camp begins in mid-September, with Ferraro, Gregor, and Skinner expected to compete for regular roles. The Jets will also monitor Hellebuyck’s status; if a trade materializes, Skinner’s deal becomes a critical contingency plan. ## Why this matters Winnipeg’s free-agent trio plugs three pressure points: blue-line depth, bottom-six scoring, and goaltending uncertainty. Ferraro’s two-way play and Skinner’s size could swing the Jets from playoff bubble to contender, while Gregor’s cheap depth buys flexibility. The moves show Cheveldayoff betting on internal growth while mitigating risk ahead of a pivotal season. ## Frequently asked ### How much cap space do the Jets have left after signing Ferraro, Gregor, and Skinner? Cheveldayoff did not disclose remaining cap space, but the three deals combined for roughly $11.6 million in AAV, leaving Winnipeg with limited flexibility for further roster tweaks before the season. ### What does Mario Ferraro bring that the Jets lacked on defense? Ferraro is a right-shot defenseman who logged heavy minutes and penalty-kill time in San Jose, addressing Winnipeg’s need for a puck-moving, two-way blue liner who can play top-four roles. ### How does Noah Gregor fit into the Jets’ forward group? Gregor slots as a middle-six forward who can play center or wing, providing speed, net-front presence, and penalty-kill minutes—qualities that complement Winnipeg’s top line but add depth elsewhere. ### Why did the Jets sign Stuart Skinner instead of trading for a starting goalie? Skinner’s two-year, $3.75 million AAV gives Winnipeg insurance if Hellebuyck is moved while keeping cap hit manageable; his size and recent NHL starts also project as a reliable No. 1B option. ### When does training camp start for the Jets? Winnipeg’s training camp is scheduled to open in mid-September, with Ferraro, Gregor, and Skinner expected to compete for regular-season roles. ## Sources & Citations - [Get to Know Jets’ 2026 Free Agent Signings Ferraro, Gregor, & Skinner](https://thehockeywriters.com/winnipeg-jets-2026-free-agent-signings-ferraro-gregor-skinner/) — The Hockey Writers (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Jets plug blue line, bottom six, and goalie questions with Ferraro, Gregor, Skinner. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/get-to-know-jets-2026-free-agent-signings-ferraro-gregor-783c6d29