The Winnipeg Jets are keeping one familiar development home while adding a new one for 2026-27.
The Manitoba Moose remain Winnipeg's AHL affiliate, while the Bloomington Bison begin their first season as the organization's new ECHL affiliate. The change gives the Jets a new third level in a development system that sent 12 players between Manitoba and Winnipeg last season.
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Here's what Jets fans should know about Winnipeg's AHL and ECHL affiliates entering 2026-27.
Who Are The Winnipeg Jets' AHL And ECHL Affiliates?
The Manitoba Moose are Winnipeg's AHL affiliate, while the Bloomington Bison are the organization's new ECHL affiliate.
Bloomington spent its first two ECHL seasons affiliated with the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack before joining Winnipeg and Manitoba this summer.
The Bison went 37-30-5 last season and reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Why Jets Fans Should Watch The Manitoba Moose
Manitoba made significant progress in 2025-26.
The Moose improved by 10 wins and 22 points, returned to the Calder Cup Playoffs and won their first-round series before being eliminated by Grand Rapids.
Head coach Mark Morrison returns to lead a team that again should feature several young Jets prospects.
Manitoba opens its 72-game season Oct. 3 against the Chicago Wolves at Canada Life Centre.
Winnipeg Jets Prospects To Watch With Manitoba
Brayden Yager: Yager recorded 10 goals and 30 points in 68 games during his first full professional season and also appeared in three NHL games. The 2023 first-round pick remains one of Winnipeg's top developing forwards, with NHL.com projecting his full NHL arrival for 2027-28.
Colby Barlow: Winnipeg's No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft completed his first professional season with Manitoba in 2025-26. The young forward showed progress as the season continued and remains one of the organization's most important offensive prospects.
Alfons Freij: The 2024 second-round pick joined Manitoba late last season after playing for Timrå IK in Sweden. Freij appeared in five AHL games and recorded his first professional point before turning his attention toward his first full season in North America.
Domenic DiVincentiis: The goaltender has already experienced the organization's AHL-ECHL development path, spending time at both levels before earning opportunities with Manitoba. DiVincentiis is among the young goalies competing for playing time in Winnipeg's system.
Who Are The Bloomington Bison?
The Bloomington Bison enter their third ECHL season and their first affiliated with Winnipeg and Manitoba.
Head coach and vice president of hockey operations Phillip Barski returns after helping Bloomington reach the playoffs for the first time last season.
The Bison open their season Oct. 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at Grossinger Motors Arena.
Why The Bloomington Partnership Matters
Winnipeg used the ECHL extensively even before beginning its partnership with Bloomington.
Eleven players who appeared for Manitoba last season had previous ECHL experience, while eight played at both the AHL and ECHL levels during 2025-26.
Goaltender Thomas Milic provides one example of that path. The 2023 fifth-round pick previously played 36 ECHL games before establishing himself with Manitoba and making his NHL debut for Winnipeg last season.
Bloomington's new relationship with Manitoba should provide similar opportunities for developing Jets prospects.
The connection already is beginning to take shape. Forwards Deni Goure and Sullivan Mack, who played for Bloomington last season, signed AHL contracts with Manitoba for 2026-27.
How The Winnipeg Jets' Affiliate System Fits Together
Bloomington gives Winnipeg prospects another professional destination in the ECHL, while Manitoba remains the final minor-league step before the NHL.
With Yager, Barlow, Freij and other young players continuing their development, the Moose remain the team to watch for Winnipeg's next wave of NHL talent.
The addition of Bloomington gives that development system another level for 2026-27.
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