We are back for another edition of NHL rumours. This time it is an update to the progress of the contract negotiations for Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti. Last week we were discussing what Perfetti himself might be seeking. However, both sides need to come together at this point to get something done. We all know once September hits, training camp is just a couple weeks away.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Trying to Make Progress in the Cole Perfetti Contract Negotiations
Last week it was Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun suggesting that Perfetti is seeking a long-term deal. However, that is a bit surprising given Perfetti’s lack of production. It would be very challenging for the Jets management staff, led by general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, to make a big payout based on his body-of-work. The 22-year-old has played parts of three seasons with the Jets organization. In that time he has 29 goals and 46 assists for 75 points in 140 games. Furthermore, that is in only an average of 14:10 of ice time.
Given the lack of ice time, Perfetti would see himself being worth more, based on playing more. This would be a valid argument over the life length of a potential long-term contract. Therefore, this brings us to the tone within of our latest edition of NHL rumours.
An item not mentioned here, Jets & Cole Perfetti don’t seem close either, yet. Speaking to those across the NHL, a 2yr bridge may be likely ($4M+ per?). If Jets want long-term, I suspect Cole would be open to that, but that’s a much higher AAV. We’ll see how this progresses. https://t.co/5m6LNmDvGe
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 27, 2024
Where Do These Latest NHL Rumours from Pagnotta Bring Us
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta has an update regarding the latest details. Unfortunately, for Jet fans, their talented, young winger and the club don’t appear to be close. Pagnotta suggests, that from speaking with the NHL’s inner circle of insiders, that the best option may be a bridge-deal. This would likely be a two-year deal, somewhere in the $4M+ range. Moreover, this was presented in the rumours from last week. Alternatively, as a comparable contract, it would appear to be similar to Shane Pinto’s current contract. Pinto currently makes $7.5M total over the next two seasons.
The biggest advantage to a bridge-deal type contract is that it would get a deal done. It would further allow Perfetti to play over the term of the deal, given the opportunity he feels he’s afforded to play. Therefore, we can truly see his value to the Jets. This would help identify what to expect from Perfetti in terms of point production, ice time,special team contributions, and role.
The disadvantage of a long-term deal, which is what Perfetti wants, is the unknown factor. The Jets still don’t totally know what they have in Perfett. Additionally, they can’t afford to use up all their cap space in a player who is still not proven in the NHL. Therefore, this would cause the discrepancy between Perfetti and the Jets in these current contract negotiations. If this is to get wrapped up sooner rather than later, Perfetti will likely take the bridge-deal. That way he gets those two to three years to produce like he knows he can.
