Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti set a new career-high in points with a two-assist game in a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/latest-news/jets-top-rangers-2-1-in-narrow-affair] Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti (91) waits for a face-off against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c471aa2f-8e97-4c49-92d8-8fe3ad258ebc.webp] Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti (91) waits for a face-off against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Perfetti entered the NHL as one of the best point producers in his draft class. Prior to the selection, Perfetti had scored 37 goals and 111 points in 61 OHL games. Following the selection, Perfetti would play 49 games with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl], recording 15 goals and 41 points. Now playing in his third full season with the Jets, the 23-year-old has eclipsed his career-high of 38 points, setting the new total at 40 points and counting. With 16 games remaining, Perfetti likely won't match his career-high of 19 goals, but he could get to the 50-point mark, as he is currently on pace to do so. His playmaking has always been his calling card, and it's taken a step further this season, gaining more confidence playing alongside Nikolaj Ehlers. In last night's contest, Perfetti showed his playmaking instincts, recording two primary assists. The first helper saw the Whitby, ON native draw the attention of multiple Rangers players before sliding a pass to set up a wide-open Vladislav Namestnikov. The second was on the power play to set up Gabriel Vilardi. He made a slick move to his backhand before feeding the puck to Vilardi in the slot. Following the game, Perfetti was asked if there was a particular element that he had focused on to elevate his game. "Nothing in particular, I think just doing the little things," said Perfetti. "Whether that's in our own zone, neutral zone or in the o-zone, I'm just trying to be hard on pucks, be in the right position. If the play calls for a hit, then hit the guy, doing whatever it takes. I'm just trying to do all the small things right, and it's going well." Video courtesy of the Winnipeg Jets Perfetti is part of the long-term plan for the Jets and as he continues to gain more experience in the NHL, he's shown more signs of becoming the offensive player they think he can be. He's been adamant about becoming a difficult player to play against [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/cole-perfettis-mindset-of-being-a-prick-to-play-against-has-seen-great-early-returns-for-the-jets#:~:text=Winnipeg%20Jets%20forward%20Cole%20Perfetti,physically%20against%20the%20Calgary%20Flames.] and someone who could be trusted to play in any scenario. Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwseDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story.
