Winnipeg Jets trade Bryan Little’s contract and rights to 2018 3rd rounder Nathan Smith to Arizona Coyotes

An unexpected move this trade deadline day for the Jets. As broken by Kevin Weeks of ESPN/NHL Network the Jets are trading Bryan Little‘s contract to the Arizona Coyotes. Little is on LTIR and while he is signed for a two more seasons with a cap hit of 5.291 million he is not expected to ever play again.

Little has been a heart and soul player in addition to being a top producer since the team moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg. He finishes 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)

As part of the price the Jets also sent the rights to 2018 3rd rounder Nathan Smith according to Darren Dreger of TSN who adds that Smith was not going to sign with Winnipeg. Smith was the second highest scorer in college hockey this season. Dreger reporting that the Jets get back a 2022 4th rounder in the trade.