Earlier today, it was announced that Portland Winterhawks forward, Nate Danielson, would be joining the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the Grand Rapids Griffins, in their pursuit of the 2024 Calder Cup. Like Danielson, another player from the Winterhawks will be moving to the AHL, as beat writer for Portland, Joshua Critzer, reports that Tyson Jugnauth will be joining the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, for the postseason.
Jugnauth was drafted one year before Danielson, being selected by the Kraken with the 100th overall selection of the 2022 NHL Draft. Originally, the young defenseman had committed to the University of Wisconsin after his draft year before finally joining the Winterhawks partway through the 2023-24 season.
In Wisconsin, Jugnauth’s footwork was never shown on full display, putting up five goals and 17 points in 45 games over two years spent in the NCAA. However, once Jugnauth landed in Portland, his offensive prowess and foot speed came to the front stage, scoring seven goals and 34 assists in only 41 games.
During their run through the 2024 WHL playoffs, Jugnauth was once again relied on for his play creation, scoring four goals and 16 points during the Winterhawks’ 18-game playoff run. Although he currently remains unsigned by the Kraken organization, Jugnauth’s play in the WHL has led them to give him this opportunity.
After defeating the Calgary Wranglers in four games during the Pacific Division semifinals, the Firebirds already find themselves up two games to none in their Western Conference Division Final matchup against the Ontario Reign. Much like Danielson, it is no guarantee that Jugnauth will factor into any games during the AHL postseason, but practicing on a playoff-caliber roster will be a valuable experience in its own right.