September 20, 2024 | 9:15am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

JETS, PERFETTI WORKING ON NEW DEAL

Cole Perfetti, forward

The Winnipeg Jets continue to hammer away at a new contract for restricted free agent forward Cole Perfetti, who remains in the city waiting as training camp started this week.

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Perfetti’s camp are believed to be working on a short-term deal, in the two-to-three-year range, as reported by TFP’s David Pagnotta.

While there appears to be an understanding on term, a team source told TFP the two sides have yet to bridge the financial gap. According to Pagnotta, the Jets and Perfetti’s representatives spoke Thursday, but remained apart on the value.

With the New Jersey Devils agreeing to a three-year, $12 million contract with Dawson Mercer late Thursday night, that could lead the Jets and Perfetti down the path of an agreement as Mercer was considered a benchmark comparison for Perfetti.

Perfetti, 22, picked up 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 71 games with the Jets last season, the final year of his three-year, entry-level contract.

The Jets have just over $5.776 million in available salary cap space, according to PuckPedia, giving them plenty of space to accommodate a new deal for Perfetti.

Both sides are expected to continue negotiations later today.

Drafted 10th overall by he Jets in 2020, Perfetti has accumulated 29 goals and 46 assists for 75 points in 140 career NHL regular-season games over the last three seasons.