Jets sign veteran defenseman Neal Pionk to a big money, long-term contract

After their best regular season in franchise history, the Winnipeg Jets are locking things down.

Earlier today the Jets announced that they've signed veteran defenseman Neal Pionk to a six year contract extension, worth $7 million per season.

The 29 year old Pionk put up 10 goals and 39 points in 69 games this season and was a big part of a defensive corps that helped the Jets put up the fewest goals against in the NHL this season. 

From the Jets' official press release announcement:

WINNIPEG, Apr. 17, 2025 – The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club announced today they have agreed to terms with defenceman Neal Pionk on a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7,000,000. The contract extension will begin in the 2025-26 season.

Pionk, 29, tallied 39 points (10G, 29A) and 44 penalty minutes in 69 games for Winnipeg this season. The Omaha, Neb. native was second on the Jets in time-on-ice per game (22:04) and tied for third in plus/minus (+21). Pionk was one of 12 Jets skaters to record double-digit goals, matching his career high of 10 tallies.

Pionk was an undrafted free agent who signed with the New York Rangers out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2017. He was acquired by Winnipeg on June 17/19 and has recorded 256 points (44G, 212A) and 296 PIMs in 536 career NHL games for the Jets and Rangers.