Overview
- The Norfolk Admirals announced Wednesday that their three-season affiliation with the Winnipeg Jets and AHL partner Manitoba Moose has ended.
- Later on Wednesday the Jets confirmed a new one-year ECHL affiliation with the Bloomington Bison for the 2026-27 season.
- The agreement means Winnipeg will send many prospects and players under minor-league contracts to Bloomington instead of Norfolk for the coming year.
- Norfolk has not named a replacement NHL or AHL partner, leaving the Admirals temporarily without an affiliation that most ECHL clubs rely on for roster support.
- The Jets have shifted ECHL partners repeatedly in recent years, so the short-term deal preserves roster flexibility and suggests the club will reassess its ECHL alignment after 2026-27.