It was a tough start to the Winnipeg Jets’ 2025-26 season for winger Cole Perfetti after he was forced to leave the final exhibition game of training camp with an injury we would later learn would put him on the shelf week-to-week, according to his head coach.
He was not cleared to return until November 9th in Anaheim, which meant he had missed the first 14 games of the regular season.
Missing a full month of action made it difficult for Perfetti to match the pace of both his teammates and opponents upon his return.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
The timing was particularly unfortunate, as it came in a contract year for Perfetti, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. It also complicated matters for the Jets, who not only needed his offensive production in their top six but also presumably hoped to use the season as an evaluation period for the Ontario native ahead of his next contract.
He is coming off a two-year deal signed with the Jets back in September 2024 with an average annual value of $3.25 million.
In the first year of the deal, he posted career highs with 50 points (18G, 32A) in 82 games, including bests in assists, points, and games played. This season, he finished with 32 points (12G, 20A) in 68 games, a drop in his points-per-game average from 0.61 to 0.47. His shooting percentage dipped to 8.8 percent, down from 13.4 and 12.6 in the previous two seasons, and the lowest of his four full NHL campaigns.
With his RFA status looming, Perfetti said the process is still new territory, but one he is becoming more familiar with.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
“Only going through it once, I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said. “Now I’ve got a little more knowledge on how it works this year. Couple years older. It will be interesting, we’ll see what happens. Obviously both sides go home and think about it, and until the time’s right, we’ll see what happens.”
“I honestly have no idea what’s going to happen,” he added. “I’m excited to get those talks going whenever the time is”. He said his plan is to get home, let his body recover, and then get back into the gym.
When asked about the importance of contract term and organizational belief, Perfetti acknowledged the value of being viewed as part of the team’s long-term core.
“That would be a real honor,” he said. “To have the team show that, express that faith in you as a player and as a person, that they want you to be here long term, that they want you to be a player within this organization for the future”.
Still, he noted the decision ultimately involves both sides.
“I know where I stand, but I can’t speak for them,” he said. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there and figure it all out.”
Looking ahead, Perfetti emphasized balancing team success with his own career path as he prepares for negotiations.
“I want to do what’s best for this organization, I want to do what’s best for myself as well,” he said. “You only get one career, and you only get one crack at it. You gotta make sure you do what’s right for you and for everyone involved”.
The 24-year-old said he will take time to reflect on the season before weighing his options heading into the offseason.
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