Bryan Little

Bryan Matthew Little (born November 12, 1987) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He played parts of 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played his entire career for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets organizations. He was a part of the team when they moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg.

Bryan Little
Little during his time with the Jets on March 10, 2013
Born	(1987-11-12) November 12, 1987 (age 38) Edmonton, Alberta
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Right
Played for	Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets
NHL draft	12th overall, 2006 Atlanta Thrashers
Playing career	2007–2019

Career

Before playing in the NHL, Little played four seasons with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He had a successful career with the team and was selected to play in the CHL–NHL Top Prospects Game in 2006.^[1]

He was selected 12th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2006 NHL entry draft. He was sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate Chicago Wolves. On October 5, 2007, the Thrashers called Little up and he made his NHL debut in a 3–1 loss to the Washington Capitals. During the game, Little scored his first NHL goal.^[2] Afterwards, the Thrashers sent him back down to the Wolves. During his time there, Little won the Calder Cup with the team in 2008.^[3] On August 23, 2010, Little signed a three-year, $7.15 million contract to remain with the Thrashers.^[4] Little remained with the team when the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to become the Winnipeg Jets. After the move, Little changed his jersey number in honour of Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk.^[5]

On July 22, 2013, Little signed a five-year, $23.5 million contract to remain with the Jets.^[6] Little helped the Jets make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs but they were swept in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks.^[7] On February 18, 2016, Little was injured after a hit by Anton Strålman and missed the rest of the season.^[8] On September 14, 2017, Little signed a six-year contract to remain with the Jets.^[9] Little helped the Jets make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs again. In the playoffs, the Jets reached the Western Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights four games to one.^[10] On March 21, 2022, the Jets traded Little along with Nathan Smith to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a fourth round draft pick.^[11]

On October 20, 2024, Little signed a one day contract with the Winnipeg Jets and officially retired as a Jet.^[12]