Little signing 1-day contract to retire with Jets
Longtime Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little will sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the only franchise he ever played with, the team announced Friday.
Little hasn't played since 2019 when a slapshot struck the side of his head, resulting in a perforated eardrum and vertigo. He hadn't officially retired because he was still under contract through the 2023-24 season. He was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022.
The Jets will honor Little with a pregame ceremony Oct. 20 when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It's a great honor 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. "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 was drafted 12th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2006 and stayed with the franchise when it relocated to Winnipeg in 2011. He played 13 seasons with the organization and ranks second in games played (843) and fourth in points (521) in franchise history.
His most productive season came in 2013-14 when he notched a career-high 64 points. A two-way center, he averaged 51 points per 82 games in his career.
Little also represented Canada on the international stage multiple times, notably winning gold at the 2007 World Junior Championship.
"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," 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."