The Winnipeg Jets made a significant move just before the NHL trade deadline by acquiring forward Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken. This trade not only marks Tanev’s return to Winnipeg, where he started his NHL journey but also boosts the Jets’ chances as they aim for the playoffs.
Brandon Tanev Returns to His Roots
On February 24th, the Jets traded a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to the Kraken for Tanev. This forward, who is 33 years old, originally began his NHL career in Winnipeg after being signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2016. During his time with the Kraken this season, Tanev contributed eight points, which included five goals and three assists across 22 games.
The Jets’ Excitement for Tanev
Returning to Winnipeg has Tanev buzzing with excitement. He has expressed his eagerness to join the Jets again, playing for a team he holds dear to his heart. As the Jets currently lead the NHL standings with an impressive 90 points, Tanev’s addition is expected to help them solidify their playoff positioning. It seems like a match made in hockey heaven!
Recent Trades by the Kraken
This trade is part of a series of moves made by the Kraken during this trade window. Alongside sending Tanev to the Jets, they have been busy shaping their roster for the future. Seattle also traded forward Daniel Sprong to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick, and dealt Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand to Tampa Bay in other trades, marking a significant revamp of their current team setup.
Building for the Future
With these transactions, the Kraken have been actively gathering draft picks to ensure a stronger roster in the coming seasons. After trading away key players, they now possess an impressive haul of first and second-round picks in the upcoming drafts. This strategy hints at a focused effort to build a competitive team for the future, especially as they currently sit near the bottom of the Pacific Division.
The Trade Implications for the Jets
For the Jets, acquiring Tanev is not just about adding a player; it’s about enhancing their roster for the tough competition ahead. With the season nearing its end, every point matters, and Tanev is known for his skills, especially in penalty-killing situations, which the Jets aim to improve. His experience and track record suggest he will play a key role in their playoff ambitions.
Expert Opinions and Grades
Analysts have weighed in on the trade, giving varying grades to the Jets and the Kraken for their moves. The general consensus is that the Jets have made significant improvements with their acquisitions, while the Kraken’s strategy of collecting draft picks has the potential to pay off in the long run.
| Team | Player Acquired | Draft Picks Received |
|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg Jets | Brandon Tanev | 2027 Second-round Pick |
| Seattle Kraken | – | 2027 Second-round Pick |
| New Jersey Devils | Daniel Sprong | 2026 Seventh-round Pick |
| Tampa Bay | Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand | – |
As the Jets prepare to face the New Jersey Devils after this encouraging transaction, fans are hopeful that Tanev’s return will re-energize the team. With the playoffs around the corner, all eyes will be on how well the Jets can perform now that they’ve added this fan-favorite forward back to their lineup.
