Winnipeg Jets sign Neal Pionk to a six-year contract extension

The Jets have struck another of their UFAs off the list as the team has announced that they have signed defenceman Neal Pionk to a six-year extension with an AAV of 7 million.

The Minnesotan had the opportunity to become a free agent on July 1st where he likely could have commanded quite a bit on the open market given he is having a fantastic season. First on the news was Murat Ates of The Athletic Winnipeg.

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

Pionk was in the last year of a four year deal which he signed in August of 2021 paying him 5.875 million per season.  He’s 29 years old turning 30 in July so this contact will extend until he is 36.

He and fellow Hermantown product Dylan Samberg have formed a very solid tandem so perhaps this will set the table for a long extension for Samberg who is an RFA this summer.

With him signing today and Alex Iafallo yesterday, this leaves Winnipeg with four UFAs (Ehlers, Appleton, Tanev & Fleury).

Here is Pionk’s media availability following the announcement: