Jets Extend Neal Pionk With Six-Year Contract

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a six-year, $42 million contract extension that will begin in the 2025-26 NHL season, with an average annual value of $7 million. Pionk, 29, had a standout 2024-25 season, recording 10 goals and 39 points in 69 games, ranking second among Jets defensemen in scoring and ice time. Since being traded from the New York Rangers in 2019, Pionk has become a key leader and reliable blueliner for Winnipeg, amassing 256 points in 536 career NHL games. The Jets recently won the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team and will open the playoffs as the Western Conference's top seed against the St. Louis Blues. The team also extended forward Alex Iafallo, solidifying their core ahead of the postseason. Pionk's extension removes a top potential unrestricted free-agent defenseman from the 2025 market, further strengthening Winnipeg's roster.