Winnipeg secures the hard-hitting blueliner to bolster organizational depth, keeping the physical defenseman in the fold through 2026 as he continues his development with the Manitoba Moose.
On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets announced Monday that they have agreed to terms with defenceman Tyrel Bauer on a two-year, two-way contract carrying an average annual $875,000 cap hit.
Bauer, 24, spent this past season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, where he recorded one goal and four assists in 52 games. The former sixth round pick back in 2020 and has been a work in progress espeically in his first three seasons.
Over 162 games, he managed just 16 points to go with a minus-39 rating, while also establishing himself as one of Manitoba's more physical defensive presences, topping 100 penalty minutes in two of those three seasons.
This past season marked a turning point as the six-foot-three blueliner posted his first positive plus-minus rating as a pro, finishing at plus-11 while adding five points in 52 games. He also set a new career high in penalty minutes with 110, continuing to play a rugged, stay-at-home style on the back end.
Off the ice, Bauer's standing within the organization has grown alongside his development on it. The Cochrane, Alberta, native was named the Moose's recipient of the AHL's Man of the Year award for his community contributions and has separately received two Manitoba-based community service honors during his time with the team.
With two more years locked in, the Jets are betting that the physical, disciplined defender who found his game in Manitoba can keep building on it, both on the scoresheet and in the community that has already embraced him.
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