If you're waking up today, January 17, 2026, and frantically asking your phone what time is jets game today, you're probably either a die-hard fan in Manitoba or a very confused football fan in New York.
Let's clear the air immediately.
The Winnipeg Jets are hitting the ice tonight at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT local time) to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's a massive Hockey Day in Canada matchup.
But if you were looking for Aaron Glenn’s New York Jets, I’ve got some bad news. Their season ended two weeks ago. After a rough 3-14 campaign that bottomed out with a Week 18 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the New York squad is currently watching the NFL Divisional Round from their couches.
It’s a tale of two cities, and honestly, the vibes couldn't be more different.
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Winnipeg Jets Game Today: Puck Drop and TV Details
Tonight's clash at the Canada Life Centre isn't just another mid-January game. It's the final time these two Canadian titans meet this regular season.
The Essentials:
- Time: 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT.
- Opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Location: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg.
- TV Channels: NHL Network (US), CBC, SNO, SNW, SNP (Canada).
- Streaming: ESPN+ (select markets), CBC Gem.
The Jets (19-22-5) are coming off a solid 6-2 win against Minnesota. They’re sticking with the same winning lineup tonight. Connor Hellebuyck is confirmed in the crease. He’s been a workhorse, posting a .901 save percentage across 28 starts this year.
Toronto is missing a huge piece. William Nylander is out with a lower-body injury. That’s 48 points of offense just sitting in the press box. For Winnipeg, this is a golden chance to grab two points against a depleted rival.
Projected Lineups for Tonight
Winnipeg’s top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Alex Iafallo has been finding some rhythm lately. Keep an eye on Jonathan Toews. The veteran presence in the middle of that second line has been a stabilizing force, even if the record doesn't always show it.
On defense, Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo are going to be busy. They’ll be tasked with shadowing Auston Matthews all night. Matthews has 38 points in 41 games. You can't stop him; you just hope to contain him.
What Really Happened With the New York Jets
So, why isn't there a New York Jets game?
People keep searching for the kickoff time because they see "Divisional Round" on their calendars. The NFL playoffs are in full swing today, January 17. The Buffalo Bills—who essentially ended the Jets' season—are playing the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET.
The New York Jets finished 4th in the AFC East. It was a year of "what ifs." First-year head coach Aaron Glenn struggled to find consistency with a rotating door at quarterback. They actually made history this year, but not the kind you want. They forced only four turnovers all season. That’s the lowest in NFL history since the merger.
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If you were hoping to see them play today, you’ll have to wait for the 2026 preseason in August.
Looking Toward the 2026 NFL Draft
Since there’s no game, the focus has shifted entirely to the draft. With a 3-14 record, the Jets are sitting on a very high pick. The scouts are already living in hotel rooms near top college programs.
The needs are everywhere. Offensive line? Always. A franchise-altering edge rusher? Probably. There is a lot of talk about whether Darren Mougey, the GM, will trade down to recoup picks or stay put and take a generational talent.
Why Today Matters for Both "Jets"
Even though the NFL side is dormant, today is a pivot point.
For Winnipeg, a win tonight against Toronto moves them closer to a Wild Card conversation. They’ve won four straight. While some fans on Reddit are joking about the "ethical tank" to get a better draft pick, the locker room is clearly playing for pride. They want to beat the Leafs. Simple as that.
For New York fans, today is about scouting the competition. Watching the Bills and Broncos today gives a glimpse into what the AFC East and the broader conference will look like next year.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’re tuning in for the NHL action, make sure your regional sports network hasn't migrated. Blackouts are still a pain in 2026.
- Check your streaming login now. Don't wait until 6:55 PM to realize your ESPN+ or Sportsnet+ password has expired.
- Monitor the goalie news. While Hellebuyck is the expected starter, always check the morning skate updates closer to 5:00 PM for any last-minute changes.
- NFL fans, set your alerts for the Draft Combine. Since the season is over, the next big "game" is the medical and physical testing in Indianapolis next month.
The Winnipeg Jets are the only show in town today. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy Hockey Day in Canada.