Tyrell Bauer just told TVA Sports' Anthony Martineau he expects to play tonight for the Jets in Montreal, and he had a message ready.
The Jets arrive in Montreal on a nine-game losing streak, and Bauer's name is in the conversation because of the Xhekaj brothers fighting at Canadiens practice on Monday.
Martineau reported that Bauer was almost convinced he would be in the lineup, and that the Jets defenseman says he doesn't know much about Arber Xhekaj and Florian Xhekaj.
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Bauer made it clear he isn't here to settle anything personal. He told Martineau he's in Montreal to help his team win, and that everything he does is for the Jets logo.
Read between the lines and the message is simple. The Xhekajs can have their reputation, but Bauer says he's focused on Winnipeg, not on them.
His résumé explains why people are listening. He has played 9 games this season, with no points and 23 penalty minutes, and he dropped the gloves with Bokondji Imama in Florida on Friday night.
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | |
| 2026-27 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 |
| Career | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 |
Winnipeg needs something, anything. The Jets were held scoreless in a 7-0 loss at Carolina on Sunday, and they sit 28th in the NHL at 4-8-3.
Why this matchup is loaded for Winnipeg
The Canadiens are the opposite of the Jets right now. Montreal has won five straight and is 8-1-1 over its last 10, good for 5th in the NHL.
The Xhekajs come in with their own storylines. Arber has 13 games and 18 penalty minutes this season, while Florian has 1 goal in 6 games.
If Scott Arniel does put Bauer in, it tells you where the Jets are mentally. A team with 34 goals in 15 games doesn't solve its problem with a heavyweight on the third pair, and the standings say Winnipeg needs scoring more than it needs a spark from the gloves.
Whether Bauer and either Xhekaj actually cross paths is unknown. Neither lineup is confirmed, and Martin St-Louis has other options on the blue line.
What is certain is the setup: a Jets team trying to end a nine-game skid against a Canadiens team that has not lost in five.
Should the Jets use Tyrell Bauer as a spark against the Canadiens tonight?
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