The Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a six-year, $42M extension with defenseman Neal Pionk, paying him $7M annually.
The 29-year-old scored 10 goals and 39 points in 69 games this season, enjoying a great campaign in his sixth season with the Jets. During his Jets tenure, Pionk has played 435 games, recording 37 goals and 216 points.
Pionk has become a trusted second-pairing defenseman, working extremely well with Dylan Samberg. The pair have been dynamite together, winning their minutes defensively, while chipping in offensively. Pionk has run the second power play unit and filled in on the top unit when Josh Morrissey has been out of the lineup.
The six-year extension will keep the Omaha, Neb., native with the team until he is 35 years old. Listed at 6'0, 190 lbs, Pionk isn't reliant on blazing speed or physical tools to be an effective defenseman. He uses his hockey IQ and positional awareness to be effective, something that should translate as he gets older.
With Pionk and Alex Iafallo locked up, Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton, Brandon Tanev and Haydn Fleury remain as the Jets' pending UFAs, and Samberg, Gabriel Vilardi, Rasmus Kupari and Morgan Barron are the pending RFAs.
As the playoffs are set to begin, Pionk will likely feel relieved to have completed the deal and secured his future with the franchise.
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Jets Sign Alex Iafallo To Three-year Extension
The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Alex Iafallo to a three-year, $11M contract extension, which will pay him $3.67M annually.