Winnipeg Jets fans can relax now, as the team has come to an agreement with University of North Dakota standout Tucker Poolman. Recently a wrench was thrown into his future in Winnipeg as he suffered a shoulder injury that requires surgery and will keep him out for the next four to six months. Bob McKenzie of TSN wondered if that could jeopardize a contract with the Jets, as he would become a free agent this summer and would be free to sign with any team.
The deal will be a one-year entry-level contract worth $1.775 million (salary+bonuses) for next season. Because Poolman will turn 24 this summer, this was the longest deal the Jets could give him, and he will become a restricted free agent come 2018. It will be interesting to see where Poolman plays next season, as McKenzie seemed to hint that the Jets would be willing to put him in the NHL right now. With Tyler Myers, Jacob Trouba and Dustin Byfuglien all installed long-term on the right side for the Jets, someone will have to play their off side. For what it’s worth, Poolman spent much of this season of the left side at UND and had success, meaning he’ll possibly debut there next year.
The big-bodied defenseman has incredible offensive instincts and jumps into the play often, even protecting the puck down low on the powerplay and eluding defenders with his deceptive quickness. For a 6’3″ 210-lbs player, he moves smoothly on the ice and has a crisp, accurate first pass. While he can crank it up with a slap shot at times, he often uses a powerful wrist shot to get the puck on net.
While Poolman isn’t expected to become a star in the league, he is NHL ready and could anchor a bottom pair and play in all situations. For a team like the Jets who are trending in the right direction with a young core, he could easily become an effective role player behind their big-4 on defense. Hopefully the surgery—which is scheduled for tomorrow—will go well enough to allow him a full training camp, as four months would have him ready for the beginning of August.
Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald was first to report the deal, with Gary Lawless of TSN reporting the terms.