The Jets best free agent signing to date by GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was made back on July 1st, 2014 when he signed Mathieu Perreault, who was coming off an 18 goal and 25 assist season with the Ducks, to a three-year, 9 million dollar contract.
Perreault would sign another deal in Winnipeg when he agreed to a four-year contract extension in 2016 worth 16.5 million that began in 2017-18.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
He played a total of 455 games during his time in Manitoba with the Jets (including his 600th in the NHL) compiling 88 goals and 142 assists playing up and down the lineup while wearing a Winnipeg uniform. His most famous game in the ‘Peg was his four goal night (in two periods) and had he scored a fifth goal he would have won one lucky Manitoban (Gail McDonald from Brandon) one million dollars. Gail still ended up with $100,000.00 so not exactly a bad night for her although the “sorry Gail” response from Perreault when he found out was a rather classic response by him. Perreault finished his Jets career 8th on the all-time games played list, 9th in goals, 7th in assists and 9th in points.
He went to the team he grew up cheering for last season as he joined the Habs on a one-year deal. He was limited to just 25 games however he did have a memorable hat trick for Montreal during the 2021-22 campaign.
According to a TVA Sports release Perreault has retired from hockey and will be joining La Poche Bleue as a collaborator. Here is what the release said with respect to Perreault (using google translate):
As the Canadiens’ colour bearer last season, Mathieu has more than 700 games of experience in the National League, with the Capitals, Ducks, Jets and CH. Four times, he has more than 40 points in a season, including three with the Jets. Mathieu has always been recognized for his versatility. He could help on a first as well as a fourth trio, in addition to having an excellent sense of the game. Newly retired from hockey, he will be at a first experience in the media.
Given his ability to banter this should be a good new endeavor for the charismatic Canadian forward.
In total he played 708 NHL games with the Capitals, Ducks, Jets and Canadiens finishing with 143 goals and 210 assists for 353 points in his career.
