A Fresh Start in Manitoba
Michael Milne, a third‑round selection in the 2022 NHL draft, began his professional journey within the Tampa Bay Lightning system after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in 2025. His stay was short‑lived, as he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings before the trade deadline, adding another stop to a peripatetic minor‑league career.
During the previous season Milne appeared for four different AHL and ECHL clubs, logging 15 games with the Iowa Wild, 19 with the Cleveland Crunch, and five games each with the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Toledo Walleye.
Now, the forward has signed a contract with the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, seeking a more stable environment for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign. He hopes the new setting will provide the consistency needed to unlock his offensive potential.
Looking Ahead to 2026‑27
The Manitoba Moose organization, known for its development‑focused approach, believes Milne’s experience across multiple systems can bring depth to their forward lines. General manager Kyle McClellan expressed confidence that the signing adds valuable depth and could help the team remain competitive in the Central Division.
Milne joins a roster that includes veterans such as Boris Katchouk and Ian Mitchell, both of whom have contributed to the team’s recent performances. The club aims to build on its recent successes and contend for a playoff berth.