The Jets have been quite active so far in loaning some of their prospects overseas with goaltender Arvid Holm, defenseman Ville Heinola, and center David Gustafsson all heading across the pond to start next season. That list has grown again as Eisbaren Berlin of the DEL announced that Winnipeg has loaned defenseman Leon Gawanke to them to start their upcoming season with the expectation that he’ll return once NHL training camps open.
The 21-year-old had a strong professional debut with AHL Manitoba this season, contributing four goals and 22 assists in 48 games before the pandemic hit. His 26 points led all Moose defenders although it wasn’t enough to earn him a recall despite Winnipeg’s injuries.
Gawanke will be returning to a program that he already has some familiarity with. Prior to transferring to the QMJHL via the CHL Import Draft, he spent four seasons in that program from 2012-13 through 2015-16 in their junior system. Now, he’ll get a chance to try his hand at their top professional level even if it is only for a short while.