Jets Sign Neal Pionk to 6-Year Extension

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a 6-year, $42 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2031 season.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a six-year contract extension worth $42 million, with an average annual value of $7 million. This deal was announced just ahead of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, ensuring Pionk's availability for the team's postseason run.

Pionk had a solid season, scoring 10 goals and 29 assists in 69 games, helping the Jets win their first Presidents' Trophy in franchise history with a franchise-best 116 points. The 29-year-old defenseman was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 but will now remain with the Jets through the 2030-31 season. With this extension, Pionk will be 35 years old when the contract ends, providing stability to the Jets' blue line for the next six seasons.

Key Details of the Contract:

• Contract Length: 6 years
• Total Value: $42 million
• Average Annual Value (AAV): $7 million
• Contract Duration: Through the 2030-31 season

This move demonstrates the Jets' commitment to building a winning team around key players like Pionk, who has become a crucial part of their defensive core. With players like Connor Hellebuyck and Josh Morrissey already signed, the Jets are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.

The Winnipeg Jets originally acquired Neal Pionk from the New York Rangers in a 2019 trade that sent Jacob Trouba to New York. Pionk has thrived in Winnipeg, becoming a key player on the team's blue line. He's now excited to stay with the Jets long-term after signing a six-year, $42 million contract extension.

The Jets have signed Neal Pionk to a six-year, $42M extension ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Io6O7Gd7zZ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 17, 2025

Pionk praises the Winnipeg fans, saying they create the “best atmosphere in hockey.” He's experienced top-notch environments in various games, including international and gold medal matches, but the energy in Winnipeg stands out. “Best it gets is the Whiteout,” he adds.

With the Jets as the top seed, Pionk is poised for the best chance of his career to win a Stanley Cup. The team kicks off their playoff run against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Pionk's extension ensures he'll be part of the team's core as they chase their first Stanley Cup title.