Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025: Winnipeg’s return of Perfetti and Ducks’ youth movement

The Winnipeg Jets arrive at Honda Center on November 9, 2025, looking to build momentum after a challenging week on the road. With a 9-5-0 record, the Jets face an Anaheim Ducks team that has been one of the league’s surprise packages this season, boasting an impressive 10-3-1 start. This Pacific Division clash features significant lineup changes for both teams, most notably the return of Cole Perfetti to the Jets’ lineup after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury sustained during preseason action against Calgary.

The matchup offers compelling storylines beyond just the standings. Winnipeg’s roster adjustments include several injury-related absences, while Anaheim continues to manage without key veterans. Both teams bring distinct tactical approaches and special teams units that could prove decisive in what shapes up to be an intriguing late-night Western Conference battle. Understanding the projected lineups provides crucial context for how this game might unfold.

Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025: Winnipeg’s forward combinations

The Jets’ forward group features their potent top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi, which has been their most consistent offensive threat through the first month of the season. Scheifele leads the team with 12 points, including 4 goals and 8 assists, while Connor provides the speed and finishing ability that makes this trio so dangerous. Vilardi’s addition to this line has created excellent chemistry, giving Winnipeg a legitimate scoring threat capable of matching up against any opponent’s top defenders.

The second line brings significant intrigue with the return of Cole Perfetti alongside Vladislav Namestnikov and Jonathan Toews. Perfetti’s season debut comes after head coach Scott Arniel initially indicated the young forward would need a full practice before returning, but Perfetti woke up feeling good on game day and received medical clearance. His presence on the second unit provides playmaking ability and creativity that Winnipeg has missed during his absence. The combination of Toews’ two-way reliability and Namestnikov’s versatility should allow Perfetti to focus on his offensive instincts.

Winnipeg’s third line features the veteran presence of Nino Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Alex Iafallo. This checking line has been crucial to the Jets’ defensive identity, with Lowry serving as team captain and anchoring the group’s penalty-killing responsibilities. Their ability to neutralize opposing top lines while contributing occasional offense has been a hallmark of Winnipeg’s success this season. Iafallo’s experience adds depth and reliability to a unit that rarely gets caught out of position.

The fourth line of Tanner Pearson, Parker Ford, and Nikita Chibrikov represents a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy. Ford and Chibrikov provide competition for ice time as younger players pushing for expanded roles, while Pearson’s playoff experience brings stability to the bottom six. This depth has been critical for Winnipeg, especially with injuries forcing roster juggling throughout the early season stretch.

Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025: Anaheim’s offensive weapons

The Ducks’ top line showcases their most intriguing acquisition paired with homegrown talent. Chris Kreider, obtained in an offseason trade, centers between Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry to form Anaheim’s most dangerous offensive combination. Carlsson, the second overall pick from the 2023 draft, has taken significant strides in his development, while Terry provides the consistency and two-way reliability that makes this line function. Kreider’s veteran presence and goal-scoring prowess add an element the Ducks have lacked in recent seasons.

Anaheim’s second line features rising star Cutter Gauthier alongside Mason McTavish and rookie Beckett Sennecke. Gauthier has been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises early in the 2025-26 campaign, showcasing the offensive skills that made him a highly-touted prospect. McTavish continues his development as a power forward, while Sennecke’s inclusion demonstrates the Ducks’ commitment to youth development. This trio brings speed, skill, and a physical edge that can overwhelm opponents when clicking.

The third line combines Nikita Nesterenko, Ryan Poehling, and Alex Killorn in a more defensively-oriented role. Killorn’s championship pedigree from his time with Tampa Bay provides leadership and playoff experience to a relatively young roster. Poehling’s tenacity in the faceoff circle and along the boards complements Nesterenko’s speed, creating a unit capable of both checking responsibilities and contributing timely offense. Their consistency has been vital to Anaheim’s early success.

Ross Johnston, Jansen Harkins, and Frank Vatrano round out the forward group on the fourth line. Vatrano’s offensive instincts provide scoring depth, while Johnston brings a physical presence that can change the game’s complexion. Harkins, a former Jets draft pick, adds an interesting subplot as he faces his old organization. This combination gives head coach Greg Cronin options for different situations and matchups throughout the contest.

Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025: defensive pairings and strategies

Winnipeg’s blue line is led by the exceptional pairing of Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo. Morrissey has been one of the league’s most underrated defensemen for years, combining offensive production with defensive responsibility. His 11 points through 14 games, including 2 goals and 9 assists, places him among the team’s top point producers. DeMelo’s steady defensive play allows Morrissey the freedom to activate offensively, creating a balanced partnership that handles top competition nightly.

The second pairing features Logan Stanley and Neal Pionk, a combination that blends size with offensive instincts. Stanley’s 6-foot-7 frame provides intimidating presence and reach that few forwards can match, while Pionk’s ability to quarterback the power play and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset. This pairing handles significant minutes and must be particularly sharp against Anaheim’s speed-oriented attack that looks to exploit any defensive lapses.

Haydn Fleury and Luke Schenn compose the third pairing, bringing veteran stability to the bottom pair. Schenn’s playoff experience and physical play provide exactly what Winnipeg needs in a depth defenseman, while Fleury offers mobility and transition capabilities. The Jets are without Dylan Samberg due to a wrist injury, making Fleury’s steady presence even more critical. This pairing must maintain defensive structure while contributing to Winnipeg’s transition game.

For the Ducks, Jackson LaCombe and Drew Helleson lead the defensive corps as the team’s top pairing. LaCombe’s offensive instincts from the blue line have been a revelation, while Helleson provides physicality and defensive awareness. Their chemistry has developed quickly, giving Anaheim a reliable duo capable of handling difficult matchups. The absence of Radko Gudas with a lower-body injury elevates their importance even further.

Olen Zellweger and Jacob Trouba form Anaheim’s second pairing, combining youth with veteran presence. Zellweger, one of the organization’s top prospects, has impressed with his skating ability and offensive vision. Trouba, acquired in another offseason move, brings Stanley Cup Finals experience and a physical edge that has transformed Anaheim’s defensive identity. This partnership must neutralize Winnipeg’s depth scoring while contributing to Anaheim’s transition game.

Pavel Mintyukov and Ian Moore round out the defensive group on the third pairing. Mintyukov, drafted in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, continues his development as an offensive-minded defenseman with excellent skating ability. Moore provides depth and reliability as the sixth defenseman, handling his role with maturity beyond his experience level. Their ability to avoid mistakes becomes crucial in a tight game against a Jets team that capitalizes on turnovers.

Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025: goaltending matchup and special teams

Between the pipes, Winnipeg is expected to start Connor Hellebuyck, the 2024 Vezina Trophy winner and arguably the league’s premier goaltender. Hellebuyck’s consistency and ability to steal games have been the foundation of Winnipeg’s success for years. His .920 save percentage and calm presence provide confidence to the entire roster. Eric Comrie serves as backup, bringing NHL experience should Hellebuyck need rest during this three-games-in-four-nights stretch.

Anaheim counters with Lukas Dostal, who has been exceptional during the Ducks’ hot start. Dostal’s athleticism and puck-tracking ability have given Anaheim a chance to win every night, even when outplayed. His development into a legitimate starting goaltender has been critical to the franchise’s resurgence after several rebuilding seasons. Petr Mrazek provides veteran backup support, though Dostal has clearly claimed the starting role.

Special teams could determine this contest’s outcome. Winnipeg’s power play features Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi, Cole Perfetti, and Josh Morrissey on the first unit. Perfetti’s return adds another playmaking dimension, particularly his ability to work the half-wall and create shooting lanes. The second unit brings Vladislav Namestnikov, Jonathan Toews, Nino Niederreiter, Neal Pionk, and Alex Iafallo, providing depth that few teams can match.

The penalty kill remains Winnipeg’s strength, with combinations of Namestnikov-DeMelo-Pionk forming the first unit alongside Cole Koepke. Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor anchor the second unit with Fleury and Schenn on defense. Their aggressive approach and ability to generate shorthanded chances make opposing power plays uncomfortable. Anaheim’s special teams present different challenges, with their power play built around Kreider, Carlsson, Terry, Gauthier, and LaCombe creating multiple shooting threats.

Injury updates and lineup decisions for the Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025

The Jets enter this matchup dealing with several injury situations that have forced roster adjustments. Dylan Samberg remains on injured reserve with a wrist injury, removing one of their most reliable defensive options. Gustav Nyquist is listed with an undisclosed injury, while Morgan Barron is also unavailable. These absences have created opportunities for players like Parker Ford and Nikita Chibrikov to prove themselves in expanded roles.

Brad Lambert, Colin Miller, and Cole Koepke are healthy scratches for Winnipeg, indicating depth competition remains fierce. Lambert’s scratch is particularly noteworthy given his offensive potential, but coach Arniel has prioritized defensive responsibility and structure over pure offensive upside. Miller’s absence from the lineup creates questions about his role moving forward, as younger defensemen have seized opportunities. Koepke’s exclusion comes despite solid penalty-killing contributions.

According to The Hockey Writers, Anaheim’s injury situation includes Ryan Strome, who has been practicing since Tuesday and could potentially make his season debut. His return would provide significant depth down the middle and power-play experience. However, the Ducks remain without Radko Gudas due to a lower-body injury and Mikael Granlund with his own lower-body issue. Sam Colangelo serves as a healthy scratch.

The Ducks’ youth movement continues with Beckett Sennecke maintaining his roster spot after being recalled earlier in the season. His performance has impressed coaching staff enough to keep him with the big club rather than returning to junior hockey or the AHL. This commitment to youth development reflects management’s long-term vision while balancing the desire to remain competitive during this surprising playoff push.

Tactical considerations for the Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025

Winnipeg’s road-heavy schedule presents challenges beyond just travel fatigue. This game marks their fourth contest in six days, with the previous night’s 2-1 loss to San Jose highlighting some of the wear showing on key players. The Jets must find energy reserves while maintaining defensive structure against a rested Ducks team that played Saturday night but has thrived on home ice this season. Winnipeg’s ability to control pace through neutral zone structure becomes paramount.

Anaheim’s forecheck pressure has been a cornerstone of their success, forcing turnovers and creating offense from defense. The Ducks’ commitment to supporting their defensemen with aggressive forwards creates odd-man rushes when executed properly. Winnipeg’s defensemen must be sharp with their first passes and avoid the risky plays that can lead to Anaheim transition opportunities. Clean breakouts and controlled exits will test both teams’ systems.

Special teams execution could swing this tight matchup. Both teams feature dangerous power plays capable of changing momentum, while their penalty kills have shown proficiency at key moments. Discipline becomes crucial, as undisciplined penalties could prove costly. The team that maintains five-on-five structure while capitalizing on power-play chances positions itself for success in what projects as a low-scoring affair.

Goaltending excellence seems likely from both Hellebuyck and Dostal, meaning offensive production might come at a premium. Secondary scoring becomes critical, with depth players needing to contribute beyond checking responsibilities. Winnipeg’s third line of Niederreiter-Lowry-Iafallo and Anaheim’s equivalent must provide energy and occasional offense to support their respective top six. Depth often determines these types of evenly-matched contests.

---

The Jets vs Ducks projected lineup November 9, 2025, features two teams heading in different directions than preseason expectations suggested. Winnipeg seeks to stabilize after a challenging road trip, while Anaheim looks to continue their surprising surge up the standings. Cole Perfetti’s return provides Winnipeg with added offensive depth at a crucial time, while the Ducks’ youth movement shows no signs of slowing down despite facing a quality opponent.

This matchup highlights the unpredictability of NHL success, with Anaheim’s rebuild apparently ahead of schedule and Winnipeg working to maintain their championship window. The Honda Center crowd should provide an energetic atmosphere for what promises to be a competitive battle between Western Conference foes. Both rosters feature intriguing combinations that could produce highlight-reel moments or defensive stalemate, making this late-night affair worth watching for hockey fans across North America.