The Manitoba Moose closed out the 2025‑26 AHL schedule with a 35‑29‑5‑3 record, landing fourth in the Central Division and tied for 17th in the Western Conference. Their offensive output hovered near the bottom of the league, averaging just 2.56 goals per game, while the defense held a middling 3.00 goals against per game.
What kept the team competitive was the play of their goaltending tandem. Thomas Milic and Domenic DiVincentiis combined for a memorable playoff run, highlighted by DiVincentiis' 39‑save shutout in Game 1 against the top‑seeded Grand Rapids Griffins. The pair posted a .955 save percentage and a 1.43 GAA over five playoff appearances, giving the Moose a chance to stay alive longer than many expected.
Prospects on the Rise
The organization’s most talked‑about prospect is Viggo Bjorck, the eighth overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in the 2024 draft. After a year in the AHL, Bjorck is projected to develop into a top‑six centre for the Moose, potentially anchoring a line that has struggled to generate scoring. Another forward, Brayden Yager, impressed as a rookie, posting 10 goals and 20 assists in 2025‑26, suggesting he could contribute offensively sooner than anticipated.
The Jets’ NHL roster adds another layer of context. With Connor Hellebuyck and Stuart Skinner already established as NHL‑level net‑minders, the Moose’s goaltending situation is less critical for the parent club’s immediate needs, but the AHL team still relies heavily on Milic and DiVincentiis to provide depth and a sparkplug presence between the pipes.
Off‑season moves have been a mix of loss and modest addition. The Moose said goodbye to Mason Shaw, who contributed 44 points the previous season, and Ville Heinola, a veteran of the Jacob Trouba trade to the New York Rangers. In return, the club added middle‑six centre Noah Gregor from the Charlotte Checkers, depth forward Michael Milne from the Iowa Wild, and defensive veteran Henry Thurn from the Toronto Marlies. While these signings address specific gaps, the overall roster depth remains thin compared to earlier years when the farm system was more robust.
The broader picture points to a ceiling that hinges on development. If Bjorck can translate his offensive potential into AHL production, and if the goaltending duo can maintain their playoff‑level performance, the Moose could climb out of the lower tier of the Central Division. However, without a significant influx of talent or a breakout from other prospects, the team’s upside remains constrained.