Feb 2, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Brandon Tanev (13) is congraluated by teammates on the bench during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

nhl

Winnipeg Jets Set to Acquire Brandon Tanev in Trade

Jets bring back former fan-favorite Brandon Tanev, adding grit and depth as they bolster their lineup for a playoff push.

The Winnipeg Jets are bringing back a familiar face. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Jets have struck a deal with the Seattle Kraken to acquire gritty forward Brandon Tanev in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick.

Tanev, known for his speed and relentless physical play, began his NHL journey in Winnipeg as an undrafted free agent in 2016. During his first stint with the Jets, he racked up 24 goals, 51 points, and an eye-popping 601 hits in 195 games before moving on to Pittsburgh and later Seattle.

Brandon Tanev has been traded to the Winnipeg Jets, per @DarrenDreger pic.twitter.com/QGuUSdVJVf
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 7, 2025

Now back with the Jets, Tanev adds an extra layer of tenacity to an already deep bottom-six group. While he won’t be expected to carry the offense, his penalty-killing skills and aggressive forechecking will make an impact. This season, the 32-year-old has nine goals and 17 points in 60 games, averaging nearly 14 minutes of ice time per game.

With Winnipeg ranking 21st in the NHL in total hits, Tanev’s return—along with the recent addition of Luke Schenn—should help the Jets bring more physicality as they gear up for the playoffs.

Also Read: Penguins Trade Anthony Beauvillier to Capitals for 2025 Second-Round Pick

On the other side of the trade, the Kraken, sitting outside the playoff race, capitalize on Tanev’s value as a pending free agent. Adding another second-round pick bolsters their draft capital, giving them nine picks in the first two rounds through 2027.

Image Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Brandon Tanev

NHL

Winnipeg Jets

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!