Cambridge's Bryan Little will sign one more National Hockey League contract, albeit symbolic.
The 2023 Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame inductee will put pen to paper on a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Jets before calling it a career.
Little spent his entire 13-year career with the organization, first with the Atlanta Thrashers between 2007 and 2011 before the team relocated north to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 season. Little was selected by the Thrashers in the first round of the 2006 NHL draft, 12th overall, from the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League.
He's second in franchise history in games played with 843 and third in assists with 304. His 521 points and 217 goals rank him fourth and fifth all-time, respectively.
He also appeared in 27 playoff games, recording four goals and eight assists.
“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 in a press release on the team's website.
“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.”
In addition to his statistiscs on the ice, Little was a two-time winner of the Thrashers/Jets’ Dan Snyder Memorial Award. The award is given annual to the player who "best embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his team and teammates might succeed."
"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 Jets will honour Little before their game on Oct. 20 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.