The Winnipeg Jets announced Julian Melchiori has been re-signed to a two-way, two-year contract with a NHL AAV of $625,000. The 24-year-old has played for the Jets’ farm team now for four seasons.

Let’s take a look at Melchiori.

Julian Melchiori was drafted in the third round, 87th overall, by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He has a lot of size, with his 6’5 frame and 214 lbs, and skates exceptionally well for his frame. Melchiori is physical and can defend well, but struggles to move the puck forward which seems sufficient to negate his positive attributes.

He was given the St. John’s IceCaps rookie-of-the-year nod after his 8 point in 52 game campaign, but has never really taken a step forward since.

Melchiori split time between the NHL and AHL last season, dressing for 62 games for the Manitoba Moose and 11 games for the Winnipeg Jets.

Jets Nation expects that Melchiori will play a prominent role for the Moose, although if he does not improve his puck moving game, the Jets will need to add some movers to supplement Josh Morrissey and Brenden Kichton.