Winnipeg Moves Thrun and Zhilkin to Waivers
The Winnipeg Jets placed defenseman Henry Thrun and forward Danny Zhilkin on waivers to assign them to the AHL's Manitoba Moose. Thrun, an offseason free-agent addition, spent most of last season with the Toronto Marlies and helped them win the Calder Cup, while also appearing in four games for the Maple Leafs. Zhilkin, a 2022 third-round pick, played six NHL games last season and recorded 24 points with the Moose; Winnipeg now has 27 players in camp and must trim to 23 by Sept. 28.
Winnipeg’s waiver moves are intended to send Henry Thrun and Danny Zhilkin to Manitoba. Thrun joined the Jets as an offseason free agent after spending most of last season with Toronto’s AHL club, where he won a Calder Cup and also skated in four NHL contests without scoring. Toronto did not qualify him, allowing him to reach unrestricted free agency.
Zhilkin, chosen by Winnipeg in the third round in 2022, appeared in six NHL games last season and had no points. The 22-year-old set personal AHL bests with 12 goals, 12 assists and 24 points across 62 games for Manitoba. Winnipeg now has 27 camp players and must reach 23 by Sept. 28.
These moves could affect the two players most directly, as waiver placement may lead to an AHL assignment and the disruption of relocating during camp. Winnipeg may gain roster flexibility before the Sept. 28 deadline, while Manitoba fans could see two players with recent NHL experience. More broadly, the transaction may remind observers how quickly professional hockey careers can shift between leagues, though its direct societal impact is likely limited to the teams, players, families and local fan communities involved.