The former first round pick reflects on his $30 million extension, overcoming injury frustrations, and his commitment to the franchise as he aims for a breakout rebound season in Canada.
On Monday, Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti spoke to the media via Zoom on topics fans have been anxiously waiting to hear about, including how his contract negotiations with the team went, how he feels about staying with the Jets through 2031, and how he's feeling so far this offseason.
He's coming off a tough season in which he dealt with injuries, finishing with just 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in 68 games. The 24-year-old signed a five-year, $30 million extension with $6 million cap hit, avoiding a scheduled arbitration hearing.
Perfetti said the negotiations went "pretty smooth as far as negotiations go" and that he was "very happy to get it done and find a contract both sides are very happy with." He also made clear that going to arbitration was never something he wanted, saying his side "definitely didn't want to go there."
He heard the news of his extension while out at the lake with his parents, recalling he'll "never forget that day for sure, just hanging out at the lake and enjoying that."
Perfetti also gave context on his missed time due to injury this past season, admitting his frustration and explaining that he could "never really get your feet up under you and not feel super great for a while throughout the season."
Now locked in with the Jets for the next five seasons, he'll look to bring his best as he settles into a likely middle-six role, aiming to rebound and rediscover the form that produced his 50-point campaign during the 2024-25 season.
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