While the ping-pong balls may not have shot up in their favour at the NHL draft lottery a few months back, the Winnipeg Jets are still poised to add a promising young player to their prospect cupboard later this week.

Winnipeg is set to select 8th overall in the first round of this year’s NHL Draft β€” barring a trade, of course β€” which takes place in Buffalo on Friday.

Team Canada defenceman Carson Carels

Team Canada defenceman Carson Carels (left) battles Slovakia’s Martin Kalis during a preliminary-round game at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship in Allen, Texas, on April 24, 2025. Carels is projected to be among the top selections in Friday’s NHL Draft.

By Donald Duench, Toronto Sun

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β€” Massimo De Luca-Taronno is a sports reporter with the Winnipeg Sun.