The Winnipeg Jets announced today that they have re-signed restricted free agent forward Andrew Copp to a one year contract worth $3.64 million. Copp is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2021-22 season. The Jets could sign Copp to a further extension after January 1st, 2022. Copp filed for salary arbitration, but this deal avoids that process.
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Andrew Copp Re-Signs with the Winnipeg Jets
The Michigan native has now inked his fourth deal with the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets originally drafted Andrew Copp out of the University of Michigan in the fourth round in 2013. He played two more seasons of university hockey before making his Jets’ debut on March 26, 2015. Since then, Copp has maintained a regular spot in the Jets’ lineup. Over his six NHL seasons, he has played 411 games and accumulated 61 goals and 88 assists for 149 points.
Copp played some of his best hockey this past season. His contract year saw him reach career highs in goals with 15, assists with 24 and points with 39. Copp also played more than he had in previous seasons because he was relied upon in all situations; from the penalty kill where he led all forwards in ice time, to the powerplay where he scored six goals, second to only teammate Kyle Connor. Two of those six goals were scored on March 24, a game where Copp scored four in a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. It was his first career hat-trick as well.
What This Means for the Future
The Jets have their Swiss Army knife back in the fold. Although Copp has regularly been a third-line player over his career, he showed this past season that he is more than capable of moving up and down the Jets lineup. At various times members of the Jets top-six missed games and head coach Paul Maurice trusted Copp to play their role. He passed with flying colours. Copp will likely see similar deployment as the Jets top-nine looks likely to remain largely intact heading into next season.
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