The Winnipeg Jets are bringing back center Bryan Little.
No, it’s not a standard player agreement, but rather a one-day contract to which the longtime Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets forward will come home to retire with the only franchise he ever suited up for.
“It’s a great honour that I can retire as a member of the Winnipeg Jets and end my playing career with the organization where I was drafted and played my entire NHL career,” Little said.
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“I had the privilege to play in Winnipeg and in front of the amazing fans for nine seasons, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to thank the Jets, their fans and the city of Winnipeg. It will truly be a full circle moment for my family and I to celebrate my retirement in the building where I have so many special memories.”
Little, 36, has not played since receiving a deflected Nikolaj Ehlers slap shot in the ear, puncturing his eardrum and causing a concussion back in the 2019-20 season. He battled serious migraines, vertigo and other inner-ear issues in his long-term recovery.
He was in the midst of a six-year, $31.75 million contract at the time of the incident. Winnipeg eventually shipped his contract and playing rights to Arizona – which has since become the Utah Hockey Club – despite both clubs knowing well that Little would never play again.
“Bryan Little is a crucial part of the history of this franchise and was a key contributor to the Winnipeg Jets throughout his time in the NHL,” Jets’ general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said.
“He was a humble, hardworking player that cared about his teammates and was a quiet, but important leader in the dressing room. Bryan demonstrated tremendous professionalism throughout his time here and it is a true shame that his career was cut short due to injury. I’m very excited that True North Sports + Entertainment, the Winnipeg Jets, and Jets fans everywhere will have the opportunity to celebrate Bryan and his family this season.”
The two-way centerman played the duration of his 13-season career with the Thrashers and Jets, coming over to Winnipeg upon the team’s relocation.
In 843 career regular season NHL games, Little put up 217 goals, 521 points and 293 penalty minutes. He also played in the first 27 postseason games for the Jets, scoring four times and adding another eight assists. The 12th overall selection from the 2006 NHL Draft also earned a gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Having shifted back to Ontario, Little has picked up other sports – primarily triathlon – since the conclusion of his hockey playing career.
