WINNIPEG — Defenceman Neal Pionk has signed a two-year, US$6-million contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
The Jets introduced the signing of the restricted free agent on Sunday. The deal carries a mean annual worth of $three million.
Winnipeg acquired Pionk and the 20th total choose within the 2019 draft for defenceman Jacob Trouba on June 17.
Former Ranger Neal Pionk (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
He might be counted on to fill a void for the Jets after buying and selling Trouba and dropping defenceman Tyler Myers in free company.
Pionk, six-foot-190 kilos, went undrafted and was signed as a free agent by the Rangers in Might 2017 after two seasons on the College of Minnesota-Duluth.
The 23-year-old from Omaha, Neb., cut up the 2017-18 season between the Rangers and the American Hockey League earlier than becoming a member of New York full time final season.
He produced six targets and 26 factors in 73 video games in 2018-19.
Winnipeg used the 20th choose from the commerce to pick out Finnish blue-liner Ville Heinola.
The Jets nonetheless must get new contracts finished for star wingers Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor.
The Rangers signed Trouba for seven years and $56 million, with an $eight million wage cap hit for the upcoming season.
The Canadian Press
