Ben Chiarot UFA

Photo Credit: Colby Spence Ben Chiarot was one of the few players remaining in the Jets organization (along with Bryan Little and Peter Stoykewych) who was originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers (2009, 4th round, 120th overall). This past season was the most productive one of the left shot defenceman’s NHL career as Chiarot hit career highs in games played (78), goals (5), assists (15) and points (20). The 28-year-old had a cap hit of $1,400,000 in 2018-19. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said on Monday afternoon that they had made "offers" to the D man but clearly it didn't go farther than that. While there was some thought he could still be signed we learned earlier today from Sean Reynolds of Sportsnet that the Jets would not be signing the D man for next season. I’m told the Jets are out on Ben Chiarot. He will be moving on from Winnipeg this year. — Sean Reynolds (@snseanreynolds) July 4, 2019 Shortly after Sean's tweet the news broke that Chiarot signed with the Montreal Canadiens for three years, $10.5 million. And for those concerned about what this means for the Jets blue line next season: Similar to my tweet about Appleton/Vesalainen the other day, the two happiest people right now have to be Sami Niku and Tucker Poolman. And for those concerned...you shouldn't be. They'll have work ahead of them but both were EXCELLENT in the AHL for the Moose. #NHLJets — Dave Minuk (@ICdave) July 4, 2019

Former Winnipeg Jets defenceman Ben Chiarot signs with the Canadiens