The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenceman Neal Pionk to a six-year contract extension worth $42 million, the team announced Thursday.

The deal carries a $7 million annual cap hit for Pionk, who tallied 10 goals and 39 points in 69 games this season—his sixth with the Jets.

Pionk, 29, was in the final year of a four-year, $23.5 million contract signed prior to the 2021–22 campaign. He originally joined the Jets in the summer of 2019 in the trade that sent Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers.

An undrafted free agent, Pionk broke into the NHL with the Rangers and spent two seasons in New York before moving to Winnipeg, where he has since become a fixture on the blue line.

Pionk joins Alex Iafallo, Dylan DeMelo, Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck who have signed long-term/medium-term contracts in Winnipeg before the expiration of their contracts.

A respected voice in the locker room, Pionk is part of the team’s extended leadership group and has been praised for his contributions to Winnipeg’s culture both on and off the ice.

This extension is not only a win for Pionk but also for his defensive partner, Dylan Samberg. The duo has developed strong chemistry, helping the Jets suppress scoring chances in high-danger areas and transition the puck effectively up ice. With both players hailing from Hermantown, Minnesota, Samberg may now be next in line for an extension, which would be huge if we can lock the duo up long-term.

In 536 career NHL games, Pionk has registered 44 goals and 256 points.

Pionk and the Jets will open the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues. After capturing the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top regular-season team, Winnipeg will enjoy home ice advantage throughout the postseason. Be sure to follow Jetsnation.ca throughout the playoffs for all your Jets news and updates.