UFA Day Roundup: What the Jets gained and lost this afternoon
By Zee
4 years agoIt was a mostly quiet day for Winnipeg and that’s not always a bad thing. We said goodbye to a few Jets that no one was really surprised to see leave and re-signed another. Whether you were out celebrating Canada Day, stuck at work or just living under a rock, we’ve got you covered! Here’s what you missed:
Winnipeg Jets fans have one more year to learn how to properly pronounce Beaulieu as it was announced this morning that the team has signed Nathan Beaulieu to a one year contract worth $1 million. The defenseman was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a sixth round pick at the trade deadline this past February. The Jets initially did not give him a qualifying offer when those went out last week, which would have given him a minimum of $2.4 million AAV, but it was widely speculated that they would speak to him on July first, so no surprise there that they did exactly that.
The Jets will say goodbye to Brandon Tanev who has signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins for a head-scratcher of a contract to the tune of six years at $3.5 million AAV. Not bad for an undrafted kid who showed up on Winnipeg’s doorstep four years ago. “Brandon believed in us when he signed as a free agent, he was a big part of the team and he’s going to be missed.” Kevin Cheveldayoff commented during the afternoon press conference held at Bell MTS Place.
Speaking of head-scratchers, Tyler Myers has also found himself a new home, landing with the Vancouver Canucks as expected but at a five year $30 million contract. Myers’ contract has $16 in signing bonuses to be paid out over multiple years starting September first 2019 and hitting again in 2021 and 2023. It also includes a no movement clause in 2019/2020, a full no trade in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 and a 10 team no trade for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. Myers spent four years with the Winnipeg Jets, coming over as part of the infamous Evander Kane deal.
Another Jet leaving today is Par Lindholm who was another trade deadline acquisition from Toronto in exchange for Nic Petan. Lindholm played just four games for Winnipeg, providing relief prior to their playoff run. Lindholm has signed with Boston for two years at $850,000 annually for two years.
Just before Cheveldayoff gave his press conference shortly after three o’clock, there had been rumors circulating that Kyle Connor has been on the phone with several different suitors. It’s unclear who or if anything will even come of this.
Cheveldayoff also took some time to discuss signing Ben Chiarot, and indicated that offers have been made and this is a work in progress. He also told media that he was not completely finished with free agency and open roster spots could be available to younger players looking to come up. He cited Josh Morrissey as an argument on why you leave positions available.
When asked about how the Jets stack up against the rest of the central division, Chevy replied “we have one of the toughest divisions, obviously seeing the Stanley Cup champion come out of it, it didn’t get easier. No question.”
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