Jets Secure Henry Thrun with Two-Way Deal to Bolster Defense

The Winnipeg Jets have taken a significant step in retooling their defensive lineup, officially signing 25-year-old defenseman Henry Thrun to a one-year, two-way deal valued at $850,000. This addition comes as the Jets look to enhance their blueline depth ahead of the upcoming season.

Thrun joins the Jets after a season spent in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, where he split his time between the NHL and AHL following a trade from the San Jose Sharks. Originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Thrun has accumulated 119 NHL games under his belt, recording five goals and 20 assists while averaging nearly 18 minutes of ice time per game during his tenure with San Jose.

With the recent acquisition of Mario Ferraro, who is anticipated to take on a regular role on Winnipeg’s third defensive pairing, Thrun adds another young, agile option for the Jets. His presence not only enhances the competition for NHL minutes but also strengthens the team’s organizational depth.

Thrun’s hockey journey began at Harvard, where he excelled as one of the top defensemen in the ECAC. His impressive college career paved the way for his first NHL contract in 2023. Since turning professional, he has demonstrated a consistent evolution into a dependable two-way defender, showcasing solid skating skills and astute hockey IQ.

As the season approaches, Thrun is expected to vie for a spot as the sixth or seventh defenseman on the Jets’ roster. However, given the two-way nature of his contract, he may primarily serve as a key defensive asset for the Manitoba Moose, providing the Jets with valuable depth on the back end.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.