Okay, I will write a news article about the projected lineups for the Jets vs. Avalanche game on December 19, 2025.

Jets vs. Avalanche: Projected Lineups for Tonight's Matchup (December 19, 2025)

The Winnipeg Jets are set to face off against the Colorado Avalanche tonight at Ball Arena. Here’s a look at the projected lineups for both teams.

Winnipeg Jets (15-16-2)

The Jets are aiming to rebound from a recent slump, holding a record of 3-9-2 since November 18th and coming off a 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues. They currently stand third-worst in the Central Division.

Here’s the projected lineup for the Jets:

• Forwards:
  • Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi
  • Nino Niederreiter — Vladislav Namestnikov — Cole Perfetti
  • Morgan Barron — Adam Lowry — Alex Iafallo
  • Tanner Pearson – Jonathan Toews — Gustav Nyquist
• Defense:
  • Josh Morrissey — Dylan DeMelo
  • Dylan Samberg — Neal Pionk
  • Logan Stanley — Haydn Fleury
• Goaltenders:
  • Connor Hellebuyck
  • Eric Comrie

Haydn Fleury will be back in the lineup, replacing Luke Schenn after missing 17 games due to a concussion and illness. Tanner Pearson will also be in the lineup, replacing Cole Koepke on the fourth line. Connor Hellebuyck, after missing a month due to a knee injury, has returned and will be in goal.

Colorado Avalanche (24-2-7)

The Avalanche, on the other hand, are having a dominant season, boasting the best record in the NHL. They lead the league with 55 points and have an impressive 13-0-2 record on home ice. Their strong play is reflected in their 7-1-2 record in the last 10 games.

Here’s the projected lineup for the Avalanche:

• Forwards:
  • Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
  • Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
  • Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley
  • Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
• Defense:
  • Devon Toews — Cale Makar
  • Josh Manson — Brent Burns
  • Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
• Goaltenders:
  • Scott Wedgewood
  • Mackenzie Blackwood

Logan O'Connor is currently injured with a hip injury. The Avalanche are expected to maintain the same lineup they've utilized in recent games.

Players to Watch

For the Jets, Kyle Connor remains a key player, needing to bring his 'it' factor to boost the team's scoring. Gabriel Vilardi has been in dominant form recently, with 10 goals in his last 14 games. For the Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon is a dominant force, leading the league in goals with 28. Gabriel Landeskog's leadership and performance continue to solidify his legacy with the Avalanche.

Storylines

The Avalanche are heavily favored in this matchup, especially with their strong home record. The Jets will need a strong performance from Hellebuyck to keep the game close. The Avalanche's ability to capitalize on power play opportunities will be a key factor, while the Jets need to improve their penalty killing. It will be the first of four meetings between the two clubs this season.