Selanne spent the 1987–88 playing with Jokerit's junior hockey team, where in 33 games, he recorded 43 goals and 66 points.
On June 13, 1988, the Jets acquired Brent Ashton from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Paul MacLean.
On July 19, 1988, Winnipeg made a trade with the New Jersey Devils, acquiring goaltender Alain Chevrier and the Devils' seventh-round pick in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft for Steve Rooney and the Jets' third-round pick in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.
On October 3, 1988, the Jets picked Dave Hunter from the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL Waiver Draft.
Hunter split the 1987–88 season between the Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 14 goals and 35 points in 80 games.