Neal Pionk and the Jets find common ground
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Jeff DrouinAugust 11, 2021 (10:28)
Having filed his request to go with the arbitration process, the Winnipeg Jets' defenceman can now put all that behind him, having just reached an agreement with the team on a new long-term contract. Pionk has reportedly signed a four-year contract with the Jets worth $5.875 million annually.
The 26-year-old Pionk was in his second season in Winnipeg, having been traded by the Rangers on June 17, 2019, in the deal that sent Jacob Trouba to New York. After a 45-point season in 71 games (0.63 points/game), he had 32 points in 54 games this season (0.59 points/game) while maintaining a +6 record.
Never drafted, Neal Pionk has 117 points in 226 NHL games in his career with the Rangers and Jets. He is quietly developing into a solid top 4 defenseman with good mobility and offensive flair.
The battle at the blue line will be quite fierce in Winnipeg next season with the arrival of new players like Nate Schmidt and Brenden Dillon. Nevertheless, a spot on the top two pairs will be available on the right side for the American right-handed defenseman.
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