Winnipeg Jets
· 2026-07-09
Winnipeg Jets announced on July 8, 2026 that they have inked an affiliation agreement with the Bloomington Bison, making the Illinois club the Jets’ ECHL partner for the 2026‑27 season. The move adds a new rung to the organization’s development ladder and gives young talent a clear path from the ECHL to the Manitoba Moose and ultimately the NHL.
The agreement links the Jets, their AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose, and the Bison in a three‑team development chain. Craig Heisinger, the Jets’ senior vice president and director of hockey operations, highlighted the Bison’s recent playoff run as evidence of a winning culture. Bloomington posted a 37‑30‑5 record in 2025‑26 and earned its first Kelly Cup postseason victory, beating the Toledo Walleye 5‑3 on April 29.
The Jets are currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 35‑35 record, enduring a four‑game losing streak as of July 9, 2026. Adding a dedicated ECHL affiliate gives the club more control over player minutes, ice time, and coaching philosophy. Eight Moose players logged ECHL games last season, and eleven wore the Moose jersey after stints in the lower league, showing the value of a seamless transition.
Prospects will now have a stable environment in Bloomington, where they can refine skills under a system aligned with Winnipeg’s style. Andy Zilch, Bison president, praised the Jets’ track record of developing talent on and off the ice. The partnership promises more call‑ups, tailored training, and exposure for players aiming to earn a spot in Manitoba or Winnipeg.
The Bison kick off their third season on October 17, 2026, hosting the Kalamazoo Wings at Grossinger Motors Arena. Their schedule now includes regular matchups against Moose‑affiliated players, creating a pipeline that could see future Jets stars skating in the ECHL before moving up. Fans in both markets can expect to see familiar faces as the affiliation deepens.
The Jets have long relied on a strong farm system to stay competitive. By securing a partner with recent playoff experience, they reinforce a culture of winning at every level. The affiliation also opens doors for scouting in the Midwest, expanding the organization’s reach beyond Canada.
The Jets face the Edmonton Oilers on September 20, 2026. That matchup will be a litmus test for how the new development pipeline is shaping the roster, especially as the club looks to snap its current losing streak.