Winnipeg Jets sign fan favourite Bryan Little to special contract

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Liam McCormick
September 27, 2024 (9:29)

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The Winnipeg Jets have announced that the team has signed Bryan Little to a one-day contract.

Now 36 years old, the Edmonton-born Little played his last NHL games in the 2019-20 season. He played his entire 843 game career with the Winnipeg Jets and earned the love of fans, prompting this one day contract and retirement celebration.

When Little spoke about the opportunity to retire as a Jet, he was incredibly thankful to the organization for the opportunity.

«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»
- Bryan Little

Little suffered a significant ear injury that ended his playing career prematurely. In November of the 2019-20 season, he took a slap shot off his ear that punctured his eardrum and caused a concussion. It was a pretty scary medical event for Little, who eventually decided to retire and pursue other his other interest of competing in triathlon.

»Some of the things the doctors were saying scared me a bit. It still does. The biggest thing I'm thinking about through this is having a healthy and long life and being cognitively all there when this is all over.»
- Bryan Little

Little was a talented and productive player over his career, but he wasn't good enough to warrant a jersey retirement. However he was a good long term player who impacted many people in Winnipeg by embracing the city and fanbase. It's great that the team is able to honour him with this ceremony to celebrate his career.