Winnipeg Jets reportedly will not play home games in Saskatoon

An NHL team is not moving to Saskatoon. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this.

However, after rumors began circulating on Thursday that the Jets were considering playing home games at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre amid attendance restrictions in Manitoba, buzz began to build that Saskatchewan would finally host NHL games, if even on a temporary basis.

This rumor generated steam after True North Sports & Entertainment sent a survey to fans, asking how they would feel about Jets possibly playing home games in another jurisdiction, without restrictions on fan attendance.

Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet rebuked this rumor on Friday morning.

Morning update: it appears as if games in Saskatoon are not going to occur. Liked the idea, though https://t.co/55s3u9rpgr

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 7, 2022

This rumor made some sense, too.

Manitoba currently limits attendance at pro sporting events and concerts at either 50 percent capacity or 250 people.

The Jets have had their two most recent home games postponed due to attendance restrictions and haven’t played in Winnipeg since Dec. 19. The Jets also already have their next two home games postponed as well. Winnipeg isn’t scheduled to play at Canada Life Centre again until Jan. 15 and only has a total of three home dates set the rest of the month.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan doesn’t have any attendance restrictions. And while Saskatoon is more than 500 miles and eight hours by car from Winnipeg, it was the closest venue with an NHL-sized facility to Winnipeg.

The Jets would’ve required approval from the NHL for any move, even a temporary one.

The rumor was fun while it lasted, right?