Winnipeg Jets sign forward Cole Perfetti to 5-year contract

The Winnipeg Jets have secured a key piece of their forward group, signing restricted free agent Cole Perfetti to a five-year contract extension. The deal, announced just days before a scheduled arbitration hearing, will keep the young forward with the team through the 2031 season.

Perfetti, 24, is set to receive a substantial raise, with the new pact averaging $6 million per season. This represents a significant increase from his previous salary of $3.25 million over the last two seasons. The contract aims to provide stability for both the player and the team as they look to build for the future.

Last season, Perfetti recorded 12 goals and 20 assists in 68 games. While his offensive output saw a slight dip compared to the previous two seasons where he scored 19 goals each, his role on the team remains important. The new contract reflects the organization's belief in his potential and his contribution to the team's success.

With this agreement, the Jets have successfully resolved their final restricted free agent situation from the previous roster. Prospect Tyrel Bauer remains a restricted free agent. The avoidance of an arbitration hearing allows Perfetti and the team to focus on the upcoming seasons without the distraction of a potentially contentious legal process.