Jets And Coyotes Complete Trade

Michael DeRosa Monday, March 21, 2022 Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets

The Arizona Coyotes have acquired Bryan Little's contract and Nathan Smith from the Winnipeg Jets for a 2022 fourth-round pick.

** Breaking News ** 🚨📰@NHLJets are trading Brian Little’s contract to @ArizonaCoyotes .@espn @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/3I6C4Xpxo1
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 21, 2022

Nathan Smith to ARIZ with Brian Little contract from WIN.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 21, 2022

Little has not played in the NHL since the 2019-20 campaign due to a severe ear injury. During that season, he was limited to just seven games, where he had two goals and three assists. When healthy, he was still a very productive player in Winnipeg's lineup, and they understandably have missed him since.

Little still has three years left on his contract and carries a $5,291,667 contract. With Winnipeg trading his contract, it gives them more room to stash injury money. Arizona, on the other hand, is continuing to take contracts in order to improve its prospect pool. That is what they are getting with Smith.

Smith is coming off of an excellent season with Minnesota State University Mankato. In 34 games, he had 18 goals to go along with 31 assists. With these numbers, he was second in points in the entire NCAA. That's not a bad player for Arizona to add to their prospect pool at all.

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