Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche 22 September 2026 Prediction

  Prediction by   Gevorg Danielyan     September 20, 2026 

Winnipeg will host Colorado in its second preseason game. It will be the Avalanche’s first appearance of the preseason. Last season’s head-to-head meetings were competitive, and another close matchup is expected.

Jets Open Preseason with a Loss

After several successful regular seasons, the Jets missed the playoffs last year. The disappointing campaign did not lead to major changes in the roster or front office. Two Pittsburgh players joined the Canadian club: goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenseman Jack St. Ivany. St. Ivany made his debut in Winnipeg’s preseason opener, a 5-2 road loss to Edmonton. The game was effectively decided by the midway point, when the Jets fell behind 4-1. Winnipeg used an experimental lineup without several key players.

Colorado Parts Ways with Nichushkin

The Avalanche had an excellent regular season. They then won two Stanley Cup playoff rounds before losing to Vegas in the conference final. Colorado did not appear to need major changes, but the club still parted ways with Valeri Nichushkin. The Russian forward had been productive on the ice in recent seasons, although his off-ice issues created problems for the team. Fedor Svechkov arrived from Nashville, while Colorado also acquired Noah Juulsen from Philadelphia and signed him to a two-year contract. The defenseman recorded 10 points, with one goal and nine assists, in 52 regular-season games last year.

Jets Have Had Success Against Colorado

Recent head-to-head results contrast with the teams’ regular-season standings, as Winnipeg won four of the last six meetings. Last season, the Jets earned a 3-1 home victory and won 4-2 on the road. Colorado took the other two games by identical 3-2 scores, winning once at home and once away.

Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction: Winnipeg Jets Not to Lose in Regulation

Main prediction: This will be Colorado’s first preseason game, while Winnipeg has already played once. The Jets lost to Edmonton but now return home and are likely to use a stronger lineup. They have also won four of their last six meetings with the Avalanche. Winnipeg should be able to keep this game close, so the main pick is Winnipeg Jets not to lose in regulation.

Totals prediction: Meetings between these teams have rarely been high-scoring. They have combined for more than five goals in only one of their previous six matchups. That trend supports under 5.5 goals.