As the NHL regular season approaches, rumors continue to swirl, especially with the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils set to kick off the season in Czechia. Amidst the flurry of activity, the Winnipeg Jets are in the spotlight regarding one of their promising young players.
Recently, the Jets signed restricted free agent Cole Perfetti, but discussions about his next contract are already heating up. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Perfetti is eager to secure a long-term deal in Winnipeg.
Despite some initial tension in contract negotiations, Perfetti eventually signed a two-year bridge deal valued at $3.25 million annually. However, he’s already looking ahead to what comes next.
The 22-year-old forward, who was selected 10th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, showed significant improvement last season, netting 19 goals in 71 games. Jets fans are hopeful for even greater production in the upcoming season.
Perfetti’s commitment to staying in Winnipeg is a positive sign for the franchise. Unlike some players who seek opportunities in larger markets, he appears invested in his future with the Jets.
Some fans had hoped General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would lock in Perfetti for a longer-term deal. The current bridge agreement allows the team to assess his performance further before making a substantial investment.
For Perfetti, this deal represents a chance to prove himself and potentially earn a more lucrative contract in the future. The pressure is on him to deliver consistent results this season.
The agreement also positions Perfetti to reach unrestricted free agency by the end of the 2025-26 season, giving him flexibility in choosing his next destination if he desires.
Despite the uncertainties, Perfetti seems keen to remain in Manitoba. He participated in the NHL Media Tour even before finalizing his contract, showcasing his dedication to the team.
According to Dreger, Perfetti has been training with his teammates throughout the offseason, reinforcing his commitment to the Jets and their community.
With training camp underway, securing Perfetti’s participation was crucial for Cheveldayoff. As both sides think about the next contract, there’s optimism that a strong season will facilitate smoother negotiations down the line.
In summary, while Perfetti is focused on proving himself this year, his desire to stay long-term with the Jets signals good things for both the player and the franchise moving forward.