Perfetti secures long-term deal with Jets

The Winnipeg Jets and center Cole Perfetti have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract worth $30 million, as reported by ESPN NHL. This deal, which will carry a $6 million salary cap hit, allows the Jets to avoid salary arbitration with Perfetti, whose hearing was scheduled for July 20.

Perfetti, 24, was previously playing under a two-year bridge contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million. The 2020 10th overall draft pick had 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points in 68 games last season, finishing with a minus-9 rating.

Over his career, Perfetti has accumulated 59 goals and 98 assists for 157 points in 290 games. This new contract ensures that Perfetti will be with the Jets until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2031.

The Jets are looking to build around their young talent, especially after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2022. Meanwhile, the offseason has been marked by trade rumors surrounding goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, with the Buffalo Sabres reportedly among the teams interested in the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.