Categories: Winnipeg Jets

Former Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little says it would be an honour to retire as a Jet

The last time former Jets centre Bryan Little stepped foot on the ice was November 5, 2019 in a game for Winnipeg against New Jersey. As folks will recall he took a shot to the head which knocked him out of that game.

For the rest of that season his playing status remained uncertain. Even at the end of that 2019-20 season there wasn’t certainty about his future as he continued to speak about his road to recovery. At the start of the 2020-21 season GM Kevin Cheveldayoff indicated that doctors had recommended Little not play that season.

With the Jets needing to make some room he was dealt on March 3rd, 2021 along with the signing rights to prospect Nathan Smith to the Arizona Coyotes for a 4th round pick in 2022. As I wrote at the time it was one final assist by Bryan Little for the Jets organization.

Little was recently being inducted into Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame and spoke with Bill Doucet of the Cambridge Times.

One of the notable things Little said in the piece, was something I’ve heard fans speculate about with regards to Little and his status once he officially retires from the NHL:

“Once his contract runs out with the Coyotes, he said it would be an honour to sign a one-day contract with Winnipeg to retire with the Jets.”

You can read the full article here.

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

As I wrote at the time he was traded Little was a heart and soul player in addition to being a top producer since the team moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg. At the time he was dealt he was top five in the combined Thrashers/Jets history books as:

1st in games played (843)
4th in goals scored (217)
3rd in assists (304)
4th in points (521)

He was one of the most well liked players on and off the ice and it won’t be a surprise to see him sign a one day contract with Winnipeg once next season concludes and then see him be honoured by the franchise in front of their fans.

David Minuk

Working hard on a daily basis to provide the latest Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose news for our readers and listeners. I also appear on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show every Saturday on our YouTube channel as well as the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show after every single Jets game. And I occasionally jump in the play-by-play booth at Canada Life to provide colour analysis during Manitoba Moose games.

Recent Posts

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel media availability on day 1 of training camp

He kicks off his first year as bench boss in Winnipeg on day 1 of…

4 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Vladislav Namestnikov

We heard from the versatile forward after the afternoon session on day 1 of training…

4 hours ago

Observations of Team Lesuk on day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp

Second group hits the ice at hockey for all centre.

6 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Nikita Chibrikov

Coming into his second training camp the Jets 2021 2nd rounder is feeling confident.

7 hours ago

Day 1 of Winnipeg Jets training camp: Josh Morrissey

Hear from number 44 after first skate of training camp.

7 hours ago