The Winnipeg Jets and forward Cole Perfetti have come to terms on a new 5 year, $30M contract which will carry an average annual value of $6M per season. When the deal expires in 2031, Perfetti will become an unrestricted free agent.
The two sides were set for arbitration after the 24 year old’s two year bridge deal came to an end this offseason. The hearing, which was set for July 20th, would have likely seen Perfetti earn a sizeable pay raise from the $3.25M he made in 2025-26, albeit on a shorter term deal.
Instead, he’ll now be tied to the organization for the long haul on an extremely reasonable contract for a middle six forward, with top six potential.
Originally drafted 10th overall back in 2020, Perfetti amassed 32 points (12G, 20A) across 68 games for the Jets in 2025-26. This represented a step backwards offensively following his 50 point breakout season in 2024-25, but wasn’t altogether unexpected for a retooled Jets roster.
Perfetti seems poised to occupy a spot on the team’s second line heading into the new season this fall. However, things could change if the persistent trade rumours regarding former Vezina winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck come to fruition. Should Winnipeg actually pull the trigger on a deal, one would have to assume that they’d be looking for at least one NHL ready body in return, along with picks and prospects.
Should that happen, Perfetti could slide down the depth chart until he can prove that he’s regained the offensive upside that made him a top pick out of Saginaw 6 years prior. If the native of Whitby, ON is able to rediscover his scoring touch (37G, 74A in 61 games during his draft year in the OHL), then the extension could be amongst the best value deals in the league.
However there will need to be an uptick in Perfetti’s game in order for that to come to fruition. A 20G, 60 point season isn’t unrealistic if Winnipeg can shake off some of their offensive struggles this season. Head coach Scott Arniel will be looking to revamp an offence who mustered the 7th fewest goals across the league last year.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.