‘I want to play here’: Neal Pionk signs long-term extension with the Jets

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Another prominent player nixes the narrative no one wants to play in Winnipeg.

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“I’m not part of that crowd,” rearguard Neal Pionk said, with a smile.

The Jets announced the signing of Pionk to a contract extension Thursday morning, keeping the top-flight defenceman from testing the tempting waters of free agency come Canada Day.

“I want to play here,” Pionk said. “We have a chance to win every single year. My family loves it here… This feels like home to me. I didn’t want to leave.”

The average annual value of the contract is $US 42 million spread out over six years.

“So the kind of money it blows me away,” Pionk said. “Blows my parents away too. They can’t even believe it. Yeah, so it’s crazy, like I said, it’s just a kids game that you play, and now we’re here.”

Winnipeg acquired Pionk prior to the start of the 2019-20 season. He was part of the trade that sent Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers. Pionk played in 101 games with the Broadway Blueshirts, prior to the jet landing in Manitoba for, as it turns out, quite an extended stay for the 29-year-old.

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The Omaha, Neb., native wanted to get the deal signed, sealed and delivered quickly as possible. He didn’t want any distractions to bleed into his on-ice responsibilities, knowing full well a successful postseason is what the fanbase craves more than regular season accolades.

“A goal of ours was to get it done before the playoffs,” he said.

Head coach Scott Arniel says Pionk’s worth extends well beyond the 200 X 85 sheet of ice.

“He’s extremely popular in our dressing room,” Arniel said. “He’s one of our leaders, I know he doesn’t have an ‘A’ on his jersey, but he is one of those guys that has a strong voice in there. I am excited that he’s decided that he wants to be a Winnipeg Jet for six more years.”

Pionk scored 10 goals and picked up 29 helpers during the regular season. His 10 regular-season goals was a career high for the undrafted ex-University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldog. Pionk was in the last year of a four-year, $23.5 million contract.

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“He’s got an all-around game,” Arniel said. “He’s on the penalty kill and he’s on the power play. It gives us an offensive edge, he’s got some bite to him, and he also likes to get under the skin of the opposition. He’s one of those guys who is well-rounded and brings a lot to the table in every game.”

Netminder Connor Hellebuyck says Pionk is worth whatever the going rate is for a top four defenceman in the national league.

“Pionk is just a phenomenal player, and he has earned every second of it,” Hellebuyck said. “I am so proud of him and proud to play behind him, and having him there for another six years, it feels pretty good being the guy behind him.”

The extension comes one day after the club announced the signing of Alex Iafallo. The club revealed the signing of the ex-L.A. Kings forward to a three-year $US 11 million deal on Wednesday morning.

The Jets number one goalkeeper feels secure in keeping this particular competition window open for more years than just the current one.

“I personally feel good about the (in season signings) with the direction of this team and knowing the future of this team is starting to get locked up for longer,” Hellebuyck said.

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