When Winnipeg Jets secured the Presidents' Trophy on Sunday, the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba erupted in a chorus of cheers that echoed from the MTS Centre to the streets of downtown.
The trophy was clinched indirectly when the Washington Capitals fell 4-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets, mathematically eliminating the Capitals from overtaking the Jets with three games left. That loss left the Capitals five points behind a Jets squad that finished the regular season at 56‑22‑4, amassing 116 points – both a franchise‑record win total and point total.
What the Presidents' Trophy Represents
Instituted in the 1985‑86 season by the National Hockey League's Board of Governors, the Presidents' Trophy rewards the team with the best overall regular‑season record. It’s more than a bragging right; historically, first‑place finishers have captured the Stanley Cup eight times in the trophy’s 37‑year history, more than any other playoff seed.
But a so‑called “curse” looms over the award. Since 2013, no Presidents’ Trophy winner has hoisted the Stanley Cup, prompting skeptics to question whether regular‑season dominance translates to post‑season success.
The Jets’ Record‑Breaking 2024‑25 Campaign
Under the steady guidance of General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Rick Bowness, Winnipeg turned a projected mid‑tier finish into a historic charge. Scoring 311 goals while allowing just 224, the Jets posted the league’s highest goal differential at +87.
Key contributors included forward Mark Scheifele, who logged 98 points, and defenseman Josh Morrissey, who anchored a back‑four that posted a collective +33 rating. Rookie sensation Connor Bedard added 34 goals, proving that the franchise’s rebuild is paying off faster than many expected.
"We knew we could compete with any team,” Cheveldayoff said after the final win against the Colorado Avalanche. “What we didn’t anticipate was how consistently we could lock down games week after week.”
How the Trophy Was Clinched
The clinching scenario unfolded on April 12, 2025, when the Capitals, trailing by five points, needed a win and a Jets loss to stay alive. Columbus’s early third‑period goal forced a two‑goal deficit that Washington could not erase. As the final buzzer sounded, Jets fans watching from home witnessed the scoreboard flash the words “WINNIPEG JETS: 116 POINTS – PRESTIGIOUS FIRST‑PLACE FINISH.”
“When the Capitals lost, I could hear the roar in the arena from my living room,” recalled lifelong fan Dale Richards. “It felt like we’d finally earned our place among Canada’s hockey elite.”
Reactions Across the League
The accolade has rippled through the NHL. Lou Lamoriello, the New York Islanders' president, praised Winnipeg’s depth, noting, “A 56‑win season is not a fluke; it shows a roster built for both ends of the ice.”
Conversely, the Capitals’ manager Brian MacLellan admitted, “We fought hard, but the Jets have been relentless. They’ve set the bar for the rest of us.”
What This Means for the Playoffs
Entering the playoffs as the top seed, the Jets enjoy home‑ice advantage throughout the first three rounds, a factor that has historically helped Presidents’ Trophy winners advance deep into the postseason. Their first-round opponent will be the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that finished ninth overall but has a reputation for tightening up when the lights go out.
Analyst Evan Brown of The Athletic warned, “The trophy is a double‑edged sword. The pressure to validate the regular‑season success can weigh heavily, and the curse narrative will be on everyone’s mind.”
The Historical Context and the 'Curse'
Since the trophy’s inception, only eight teams have turned a first‑place regular‑season finish into a Stanley Cup triumph – most recently the 2012‑13 Chicago Blackhawks. No Canadian team has captured the trophy since the 2011‑12 Vancouver Canucks, making Winnipeg’s achievement especially significant for a nation that lives and breathes hockey.
The most recent winner before Winnipeg, the New York Rangers, posted a 55‑23‑4 record and 114 points in 2023‑24, setting their own franchise record. Yet the Rangers fell short in the conference finals, underscoring the uncertainty that still surrounds the trophy’s predictive power.
Looking Ahead
Merchandise lines have already sprung into action, with retailers offering limited‑edition tees that read “2025 Presidents’ Trophy – Winnipeg Jets.” The club expects the sales to boost community engagement and strengthen the brand as the playoffs approach.
“We’re not just celebrating a piece of hardware,” Bowness said in a post‑game interview. “We’re celebrating a culture that finally believes we can be the best, and we want to carry that belief into October.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does winning the Presidents' Trophy affect the Jets' playoff seeding?
The Jets enter the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, guaranteeing home‑ice advantage for the first three rounds. This means the first two games of each series start in Winnipeg, a vital edge given the city’s passionate crowds and familiar ice conditions.
Who were the key players behind Winnipeg's record season?
Forward Mark Scheifele led the scoring with 98 points, while defensemen Josh Morrissey and Zach Werenski anchored a back‑four that posted a league‑best +33 rating. Rookie Connor Bedard contributed 34 goals, and goaltender Kevin Lankinen posted a 2.34 GAA, all of which propelled the team to 116 points.
What is the so‑called Presidents' Trophy curse?
Since the trophy’s debut, the regular‑season champion has won the Stanley Cup only eight times, and none of those victories have occurred after 2013. Critics argue the pressure of expectations and the grueling playoff schedule can derail even the strongest teams.
When was the last time a Canadian team won the Presidents' Trophy?
The Vancouver Canucks were the most recent Canadian franchise to claim the trophy, doing so in the 2011‑12 season with a 51‑22‑9 record and 111 points.
What are the Jets' biggest challenges heading into the playoffs?
Maintaining the pace of play while avoiding injuries will be critical. The Jets must also adapt to the tighter checking style of playoff hockey, and they’ll need their goaltending to stay sharp against high‑powered offenses like the Carolina Hurricanes.