The Winnipeg Jets have locked up their final restricted free agent, signing Tyrel Bauer to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $875,000 in the NHL.
Bauer, an Albertan selected by Winnipeg in 2020, has spent the last four seasons with the Manitoba Moose after turning pro ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. At 24, he’s already built a reputation as one of the AHL’s toughest fighters, but last season showed he’s much more than a physical presence.
He became an important piece on the Moose blue line, and head coach Mark Morrisson laid out exactly what Bauer means to the team during the Calder Cup Playoffs in April:
“There are all sorts of things that Tyrel brings. He gives us all sorts of courage.
He gives us energy. And the one thing that Tyrel’s brought to his game now is he’s a good hockey player.
We used to not care so much if Tyrel missed five minutes for a fight. Now we do.
We need him on the ice. He’s brought a whole different element to his game.
He can’t just fly off the handle and sit in the penalty box.”
Bauer’s value wasn’t limited to his play. He was recognized with the Moose’s Richard Bue Ultimate Teammate award, the EPRA Julian Klymkiw Community Service award and the GoodLife Fitness Fan Favourite award before taking home the AHL’s Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as the league’s Man of the Year.
The contract is a two-way deal in 2026-27 and becomes a one-way deal in 2027-28. With Elias Salomonsson recovering from injury and his status for the start of camp uncertain, Bauer will also have a shot to make his case for NHL consideration when training camp opens.
In Other News...
Connor Hellebuyck Still Looms Over The Jets As Camp Nears
Connor Hellebuyck is still in Winnipeg as training camp approaches, but the chatter around his future has hardly disappeared. Trade talk around the Jets No. 1 goalie has quieted some in recent days, yet the sense around the league is that this is still a situation worth watching, especially with Winnipeg having already made moves in its goaltending department that suggest it may be bracing for a possible change.
Even with no deal finalized, the door does not appear closed. Elliotte Friedman and Mike McIntyre have both indicated a trade remains possible, and the Jets have at least been connected to interest from clubs such as the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers. For now, Hellebuyck remains part of the roster, but the closer camp gets, the more this feels like a storyline that could still break in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]