As the Winnipeg Jets continued their locker clean-out on Tuesday, team captain Adam Lowry was one of the first players to meet with the media. With one year remaining on his five-year deal signed in 2021 (AAV $3.25 million), questions naturally turned to his contract status.

Lowry, who just completed his 11th season with the organization, made it clear where he stands.

“I love playing in Winnipeg. I’ve been very fortunate to be here my whole career — drafted, played in St. John’s, came up through the ranks — and just finished my 11th year here. So yeah, I think that’s kinda how I picture myself: as a Winnipeg Jet for life. I love this city, love playing in front of these fans. Hopefully we can take steps toward getting that out of the way this summer.”

Lowry added that while he’d welcome an extension, he understands there are other priorities for the front office, such as signing key RFAs and UFAs, but noted that he doesn’t “see that being an issue.”

“As long as they want to bring me back, I’m more than happy to come back. It’s such a great place to play.”

General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff also spoke about the futures of both Lowry and Kyle Connor — two players entering the final year of their current contracts.

“Right now we’ve turned our minds to it. Very open to both of those guys. They’re a big part of our success.”

Cheveldayoff even shared a behind-the-scenes moment from the last time Lowry signed an extension:

“I called him a week before the deadline. His heart sank ’cause he thought he was getting traded,” the GM recalled. “I told him I didn’t want to put him through that.”

Since former head coach Rick Bowness took over, Lowry has not just worn the ‘C’ — he’s embodied it. He’s become the identity of this team, setting the tone in the room and on the ice. Everything the Jets are trying to build starts with Lowry, and he’s the kind of captain every player wants to go to battle with.