It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re just a week away from the regular season starting with the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils playing in Czechia. However, there are still plenty of NHL rumours to discuss. General managers have been busy making moves, but there’s always talk about the future. The Winnipeg Jets have recently signed a key restricted free agent to a deal. However, he’s already thinking about his next contract. This edition of NHL rumours deals with that next agreement.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets Forward Already Thinking About Next Deal
Rumour: TSN’s Darren Dreger appeared on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait to discuss what’s next for young forward Cole Perfetti. Dreger mentions that Perfetti is hoping to stay long-term in Winnipeg.
Analysis: There were some tense moments in contract talks between the two sides. However, a deal did get done as the Whitby, Ontario got a new contract. This deal may be a two-year bridge deal with an annual cap hit of $3.25 million per season. However, there’s already thoughts about the next deal.
The former 10th overall choice in the 2020 NHL Draft took a step forward last season with 19 goals in 71 games. However, Jets fans are hoping for more from the 22-year-old forward.
The good news is that Perfetti stated that he wants to stay in Winnipeg for a long time. There’s always worry that good players try to find their way out of Winnipeg for different markets. However, Perfetti seems to in it for the long haul.
Bridging the Gap
Some Jets fans were hoping Winnipeg General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would lock down Perfetti for longer. However, this seems to be a good deal to see if the youngster is worth a big payday. The 2023-24 season was the first time that the centre eclipsed the double-digit goal mark. Maybe Cheveldayoff and new head coach Scott Arniel want to see if Perfetti can be more consistent in putting up goals.
The deal helps Cheveldayoff keep costs down, but it’s also good for Perfetti. A bridge deal also him to bet on himself and cash in if he can produce. The pressure is on the young forward to get himself that massive next contract.
This agreement also allows Perfetti to get to unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2025-26 season. He can have a chance to pick his path after this deal expires.
In It for the Long Haul
However, Perfetti seems to want to settle in Manitoba. He did do the NHL Media Tour despite not having a contract, which is quite unusual. It seems that he loves playing in Winnipeg, as he stayed there for the entire off-season.
Perfetti skated with his teammates according to Dreger and the youngster loves the community. It’s refreshing for Jets fans to see a talented player want to stay with the club.
Getting Perfetti into camp was important and Cheveldayoff got the job done. However, thoughts of the next deal are already in the head of both parties. Perfetti can sign an extension on July 1, 2025 and a good season may make talks less tense the next time around.
Main photo by: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
