Winnipeg Jets & the Stanley Cup: A Franchise History of Near Misses

The Winnipeg Jets have never won the Stanley Cup—in either franchise iteration.

Two Eras, Zero Championships

• Original Jets (1979–1996): WHA champions (1976, 1978, 1979) but NHL playoff success limited—deepest run: 2nd round (1985, 1987). Relocated to Phoenix (Coyotes) in 1996.
• Current Jets (2011–present): Former Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011) relocated to Winnipeg. Best NHL finish: Western Conference Final (2018), lost to Vegas Golden Knights.

Notable Context

• WHA legacy: The Jets dominated the World Hockey Association, signing Bobby Hull and Anders Hedberg—luring stars from NHL.
• Winnipeg's hockey soul: Despite no Cup, the city's passion is legendary—Whiteout street parties, MTS Centre (now Canada Life Centre) sellouts, "True North" identity.
• Active pursuit: Current core (Scheifele, Connor, Hellebuyck, Morrissey) keeps contention window open.

Bottom line: The Cup has eluded Manitoba's only NHL team—so far. The drought continues, but the culture endures.