Grand Rapids Griffins sign Jackson Jutting to PTO from Kansas City Mavericks

The Grand Rapids Griffins added scoring depth when they signed 24-year-old forward Jackson Jutting to a professional tryout (PTO) from the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks, the Griffins announced Feb. 20, 2026. Jutting arrives having produced 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 48 games with Kansas City while posting 18 penalty minutes and a plus-13 rating this season.

The move carries direct NHL implications: the Griffins are the primary affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, and DetroitHockeyInsider framed the signing as a response to organizational injuries. DetroitHockeyInsider wrote, “The move comes as the Red Wings organization looks to bolster its depth during a grueling February stretch,” and added that the PTO was completed “for head coach Dan Watson.” That outlet also suggested Jutting “will likely slot into the bottom six for tonight’s matchup, providing fresh legs for a team coming off a tough back-to-back.”

Griffins materials supply the full statistical context behind the call-up. Across 48 ECHL games, Jutting ranks first on the Mavericks in goals, second in both points and assists, and sits tied for fifth in ECHL goals and tied for 11th in ECHL points. With Kansas City, he recorded 10 multi-point outings including two two-goal games and two three-point contests, and he made his professional debut Oct. 17 against Rapid City, scoring in that first game.

Jutting’s path to pro scoring has collegiate and junior pedigree. The Griffins release identifies him as an undrafted rookie out of Bemidji State University who spent five seasons in college with Colorado College (2020-22) and Bemidji State (2022-25). He won back-to-back CCHA Best Defensive Forward awards from 2023-25 and was part of Bemidji State’s CCHA regular-season championship in 2023-24. His collegiate totals read 152 games, 32 goals and 37 assists for 69 points, with 34 penalty minutes. Earlier, he posted 27 points in 47 USHL games for Cedar Rapids in 2019-20. The Griffins list him as a 5-foot-10 native of Savage, Minnesota.

There is a small administrative wrinkle in transaction labeling. EliteProspects’ transaction feed listed Jutting as “loaned to Grand Rapids Griffins,” while the Griffins official wording says he was “signed … to a professional tryout.” Social posts amplified the signing: an X post noted “Jackson has 22G & 23A in 48GP with the ECHLs Mountain Division leading Kansas,” and a local CopperRockGR tweet celebrated the PTO move for the organization.

The business and roster significance is straightforward: Jutting’s 45 points in 48 games give the Red Wings organization an inexpensive scoring test at AHL pace, but a temporary path does not equal a contract. DetroitHockeyInsider cautioned, “There is no guarantee a PTO leads to a full contract, but the opportunity is right in front of him. Crisp passing and physical engagement will be the benchmarks Watson looks for in Jutting’s debut.” If Jutting converts the PTO into a longer-term deal, the signing would reinforce the developmental pipeline from the Mavericks and the collegiate ranks into Detroit’s system; if not, it remains a short-term depth stop for a Griffins club navigating a demanding February schedule.