The Winnipeg Jets acquired Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken and Luke Schenn from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.
The Jets sent a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Seattle for the 33-year-old forward who can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Tanev returns to where his NHL career began when the Jets signed the forward as an undrafted free agent March 30, 2016. Tanev had eight points (five goals, three assists) in 22 games before signing a six-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, 2019.
“I have a smile on my face knowing I’m going back to Winnipeg,” Tanev told Sportsnet. “The city, the fans, the whiteout in the (Stanley Cup Playoffs) and to be a part of such a good team is something that everyone wants come playoff time.
“There’s so many great players on that team; (Connor Hellebuyck) is the best goaltender in the world. They’ve got a great coaching staff, and to get back into that atmosphere and to be in front of the best fans in hockey is something I’m very, very grateful for.”
The Jets (43-16-4) lead the NHL with 90 points, two ahead of the Washington Capitals and six in front of their Central Division rival Dallas Stars. They play the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Friday (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, TSN3).
“It’s just going in and jelling and being a part of the group and doing that as best as you can,” Tanev said. “Just going in there ready, excited to play the way you know you can play and just bring whatever the team needs — whether that’s energy, physicality, some depth scoring. Doing all the little things that make the most of the game.”