Jets Lock Down Pionk with $7 Million Extension
WINNIPEG, April 17, 2025 – The Winnipeg Jets have solidified their defensive core, announcing a six-year contract extension with defenseman neal Pionk. The deal carries an average annual value of $7 million and begins with the 2025-26 NHL season, the team announced wednesday.
Pionk’s Production and Impact
Pionk, 29, is coming off a productive season where he recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) and 44 penalty minutes in 69 games.the Omaha, Neb., native played a crucial role for Winnipeg, averaging 22 minutes and 4 seconds of ice time per game, second onyl to one other player on the team. His plus-21 rating tied for third-best on the Jets. Pionk was one of a dozen Jets players to reach double-digit goals, matching his career high of 10.
From Undrafted to Key Player
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Rangers out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2017, Pionk was acquired by Winnipeg on June 17, 2019. In his NHL career, spanning both the Jets and Rangers, he has accumulated 256 points (44 goals, 212 assists) and 296 penalty minutes in 536 games.
Player Profile: Neal pionk
- Position: Defense
- Born: July 29, 1995 (Omaha, Neb.)
- Height: 6-foot-0
- Weight: 190 pounds
- Shoots: Right
How does Neal Pionk’s average ice time compare to his teammates on the Winnipeg Jets?
Jets lock Down Pionk with $7 Million Extension
WINNIPEG, April 17, 2025 – The Winnipeg Jets have solidified their defensive core, announcing a six-year contract extension with defenseman Neal Pionk. The deal carries an average annual value of $7 million adn begins with the 2025-26 NHL season, the team announced Wednesday.
Pionk’s Production and Impact
Pionk, 29, is coming off a productive season where he recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) and 44 penalty minutes in 69 games. The Omaha, Neb., native played a crucial role for Winnipeg, averaging 22 minutes and 4 seconds of ice time per game, second onyl to one other player on the team. His plus-21 rating tied for third-best on the Jets. Pionk was one of a dozen Jets players to reach double-digit goals, matching his career high of 10.
From undrafted to Key Player
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Rangers out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2017, Pionk was acquired by Winnipeg on June 17, 2019.In his NHL career, spanning both the Jets and Rangers, he has accumulated 256 points (44 goals, 212 assists) and 296 penalty minutes in 536 games.
Player Profile: Neal Pionk
- Position: Defense
- Born: July 29, 1995 (Omaha, Neb.)
- Height: 6-foot-0
- Weight: 190 pounds
- Shoots: Right
Q&A: Understanding Neal Pionk’s Extension
Q: Why is Neal Pionk’s contract extension meaningful for the Winnipeg Jets?
A: It secures a key defenseman for the next six seasons, solidifying their defensive core and providing stability. Pionk’s ice time and point production make him a valuable asset.
Q: how has Neal Pionk performed recently?
A: In the season prior to the extension, he recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 69 games and averaged over 22 minutes of ice time per game.
Q: What’s the financial impact of this deal?
A: The contract has an average annual value of $7 million.
Q: Where did Neal Pionk come from?
A: He was an undrafted free agent signed by the New York Rangers and was later acquired by the Jets.
Q: How does Pionk’s career compare to other undrafted players?
A: Pionk’s success is a testament to his hard work and skill development,proving that undrafted players can become core players in the NHL.
Q: Interesting fact about Neal Pionk?
A: Before joining the NHL, Neal pionk played college hockey for the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Securing Neal Pionk is a strategic move for the Jets, ensuring their defensive strength for years to come.Stay tuned for more updates on the team’s journey!
