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Winnipeg Jets 2017 5th rounder Leon Gawanke signs three-year ELC

Jets get the prospect D man signed to his first contract.

Leon Gawanke

After his third season in the QMJHL the Jets have come to terms with Berlin born right shooting D man Leon Gawanke.  Folks around here may best remember Gawanke not for something he did but for when Jacob Trouba scored a goal using his stick which he spoke about after the Jets defeated the Sabres 4-3 back in January of 2018.

Trouba kissing Leon Gawankes stick

Photo Credit: Colby Spence

From the Jets Release:

The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have agreed to terms with defenceman Leon Gawanke on a three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $810,000.

Gawanke, 19, was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round (136th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft and just completed his third season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. The Berlin, Germany native led all Screaming Eagles blueliners and was third among QMJHL defencemen with 57 points (17G, 40A) in 62 games in 2018-19. Gawanke added another seven points (2G, 5A) in 11 playoff games this season and he also won team awards as Top Defenceman and for Outstanding Community Involvement.