With the Jets having done their damage on Monday (signed Paul Stastny, traded for Brenden Dillon) and Tuesday (traded for Nate Schmidt, signed Eric Comrie) it is expected to be a quiet Free Agent Frenzy for the local NHL club. So instead we take a look at which players who played for Winnipeg last season will be heading elsewhere for the 2021-21 season.
July 28th:
It all started with news that Tucker Poolman was going to Vancouver where he was reportedly signing a four-year deal with the Canucks. The Jets 2013 5th rounder climbed his way up the ranks from UND to the Moose and ultimately to the Jets. He was a solid third pairing Dman who was in a bit over his head when given first pairing responsibility. He got $10 million deal ($2.5m AAV) according to Frank Seravalli.
Next up was defenceman Derek Forbort who would be a one and done with Winnipeg after playing one season with the Jets. He got himself a three-year deal with the Bruins according to Frank Seravalli worth nine million (3M AAV).
Next would be the backup to Connor Hellebuyck as Laurent Brossoit signed a two year deal in Vegas according to Darren Dreger worth $4.65 million. Brossoit spent three seasons in Winnipeg and formed a very good tandem with Hellebuyck. Now it seems like that opportunity will go to someone who is very familiar to the organization in 2013 2nd rounder Eric Comrie who signed a one-year deal last night and did play with Hellebuyck on the 2015-16 Moose team.
Another one and done is heading elsewhere as Nate Thompson heads to Philadelphia after the veteran centre played one season in Winnipeg according to Pierre LeBrun where he got a one-year deal done for 800K.
Followed by shorthanded goal specialist Trevor Lewis heading to Calgary on a one-year deal according to Elliotte Friedman worth 800K.
July 29th:
After a bit of a lull in action news tonight from Renaud Lavoie that Mathieu Perreault signed in Montreal on a one-year deal worth 950K. That’s a good deal for the Habs. Tough go from a solid soldier who spent the last seven years in Winnipeg.
Last UFA is Jordie Benn.