Whether the Winnipeg Jets are a "desired location" depends on the context—specifically, whether you're asking about players, fans, or the franchise itself. Based on available sentiment and data, here’s a breakdown:
For NHL players, Winnipeg often ranks low as a preferred destination. An anonymous player poll conducted by The Athletic in early 2025 found that 48.78% of 82 polled players listed the Jets as the top team on their no-trade list. Players frequently cite the city’s cold weather and remote location as deterrents, with one quoted saying, “It’s f*cking cold. I haven’t heard a guy go to Winnipeg and be like, ‘This is going to be my forever home.’” This sentiment echoes previous surveys, like one in 2019 where 42% of players dubbed Winnipeg the worst road city. The harsh winters—January 2024 saw an average low of -23.6°C—and geographic isolation contribute to this perception. However, players already with the Jets don’t always share this view. Some, like Brandon Tanev in a March 2025 interview, praised the atmosphere, calling Winnipeg fans “the best in the NHL” and the Canada Life Centre a “great place to play.” Others, interviewed by Winnipeg Free Press in February 2025, called the poll “narrow-minded” and defended the city’s appeal, suggesting that those who experience it often grow to appreciate it.
From a fan perspective, Winnipeg is undeniably a desired location for hockey. The Jets boast passionate support, with the Canada Life Centre known as one of the NHL’s loudest arenas. The “Winnipeg White-Out” playoff tradition exemplifies this enthusiasm. Despite a dip in season ticket renewals (from 13,000 to 9,500 over three seasons ending in 2023-24), the team’s on-ice success—like their 14-1-0 start in 2024-25—keeps fans engaged. Posts on X and media reports consistently highlight this loyalty, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noting in 2024, “This is a place where hockey matters.”
For the franchise, Winnipeg’s desirability is mixed. The Jets relocated from Atlanta in 2011, reviving NHL hockey in a city with a rich hockey history, including the original Jets (1972–1996). Yet, it’s the league’s smallest market, with a 15,225-seat arena and a valuation of $1.1 billion (31st of 32 teams per Sportico in 2024). Economic challenges—like reliance on individual fans rather than corporate ticket buyers and a fluctuating Canadian dollar—raise viability concerns, as they did when the original Jets left for Phoenix in 1996. Still, the current team’s competitive edge (38-14-3 as of February 2025) and True North Sports & Entertainment’s commitment suggest Winnipeg remains a desired home for the Jets organizationally.
In short, Winnipeg isn’t a top choice for many NHL players due to climate and location, but it’s a cherished spot for fans and a viable, if challenging, home for the franchise. Players who stay often come to value it, hinting that perception might shift with sustained success. What’s your angle—players, fans, or something else?