NHL rumors: Cole Perfetti may skip Winnipeg Jets camp owing to contract extension delay

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Sep 06, 2024 04:12 GMT

With Sep. 18 training camp fast approaching, restricted free agent Cole Perfetti's contract situation with the Winnipeg Jets seems in limbo right now. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of "The Fourth Period," the contract talks between the player and the club have stalled.

He said (via TFP):

“It’s been crickets for the most part, minus a brief phone call last week,” Pagnotta said. “Obviously, it takes one call to shift things and gain any momentum, but that still hasn’t happened as of this morning.”

Pagnotta reports the likelihood of a short-term bridge contract around $4 million for two years appears to be the current expectation unless the Jets decide to pursue a long-term deal:

“Perfetti would be open to a long-term agreement with Winnipeg if the Jets approach him and his agent with that option, but right now it sounds like we may see something fall in the two-year range whenever this gets finalized

It's interesting to note that Perfetti is open to a long-term contract, but it hinges on the Winnipeg Jets' approach:

"Cole has been training on and off the ice this summer at home just outside Toronto and is eager to play a bigger role this coming season,” Pagnotta said. “He’s just playing the waiting game until they can figure out his contract.”

With training camps starting soon, both parties must come to an agreement quickly, or he may miss the start of the camp, which would be a significant setback.

Ultimately, it'll be important for the Jets to act soon, especially since they would match any offer sheet if it comes to that, although that route seems unlikely for Perfetti at this point. It remains to be seen how this unfolds in the coming days.

How has Cole Perfetti fared for the Winnipeg Jets?

#91 Cole Perfetti - Source: Imagn

Cole Perfetti was drafted No. 10 overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2020 NHL draft. He made his league debut in the Jets' 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in October 2021.

Perfetti has been with the Jets for the past three seasons, accumulating 75 points through 29 goals and 46 assists in 140 career games. The 22-year-old forward had a solid season with the Jets last term, finishing with 19 goals and as many assists, making him an asset for the club.