Jets ink defenceman Pionk to six-year extension

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk, foreground, celebrates after scoring during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

For the second straight day, the Winnipeg Jets have announced a contract extension, this time with defenceman Neal Pionk.

Pionk, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has been signed to a six-year extension worth $7 million per year.

Pionk has played in 69 games this season, tallying 10 goals and 29 assists.

He has the third-best plus/minus on the team at plus-21 and has the second-highest time-on-ice per game at 22:04.

Pionk came to the Jets in 2019 from the New York Rangers after being traded for Jacob Trouba.

He has played 536 games in the NHL and has added another 22 in postseason action.

This comes a day after the Jets signed forward Alex Iafallo to a three-year extension worth $3.66 million.

The Winnipeg Jets will do battle with the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Game one goes Saturday at 5 p.m. from Canada Life Centre.