NHL Predictions: January 17th Toronto Maple Leafs at Winnipeg Jets

The Toronto Maple Leafs will wrap up their road trip as they head to the home of the Winnipeg Jets for an all-Canadian clash. The Maple Leafs have gone 1-1-1 on this road trip, while the Jets have won their last four games in a row, most recently steamrolling the Minnesota Wild in a 6-2 win. The Maple Leafs are looking to regain positioning in a tight Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are looking to keep building momentum and gain some traction in the Western Conference as they sit towards the bottom of the league. Welcome back to NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey. Tonight it’s the Jets versus the Leafs.

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2025–26 Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Jets

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: Sportsnet Ontario, ESPN+, CBC

Credit Image: © Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire

Winnipeg enters this matchup in the middle of a four-game winning streak, a sign that its recent defensive and structural game is starting to click. The Jets sit below .500 but have shown an ability to stay competitive, particularly at home, where they’ve posted a respectable record and capitalized on timely offence.

Jets Lean on Structure and Recent Momentum

The Jets aren’t a team that wins by outscoring every opponent; they prize structure, limiting high-danger chances, and forcing opponents into low-percentage opportunities. At home in Winnipeg, that identity becomes even more pronounced the Jets are comfortable grinding games down, sticking to their system, and waiting for mistakes that they can turn into controlled offensive chances.

If Toronto struggles with puck management or gets careless through the neutral zone, Winnipeg’s disciplined approach and recent confidence could help them make the Leafs pay in transition or on the cycle.

Leafs Must Match Discipline on the Road

For Toronto, road games against structured opponents demand discipline. The Leafs must manage the puck cleanly and avoid turnovers in the neutral zone, where Winnipeg can quickly turn play the other way. Establishing offensive-zone time will be important, but Toronto must resist the temptation to force plays. The Maple Leafs will also need to get contributions throughout their lineup, as William Nylander will likely miss Saturday’s game with a lower-body injury.

Toronto’s top players will need to lead with patience rather than pace alone. Winning battles along the boards, protecting the slot, and staying connected defensively will be critical. Special teams could also play a key role, as road games often come down to capitalizing on limited opportunities.

NHL Prediction

Final Score Prediction: Jets win 3–2

This projects as a tight, low-event contest with limited scoring chances. Toronto has the skill to generate offence, but Winnipeg’s home-ice comfort and structured approach give the Jets a slight edge. Expect this one to remain close throughout, with the home side finding a way to finish the job late.

Best Betting Angles:

• Moneyline: Jets win
• Total Goals: Over 6.0 — both teams can score at a high rate
• Player Prop: Auston Matthews anytime goal

Main Photo Credit: Terrence Lee – Imagn Images