3:10pm: Lewis has officially agreed to terms on a one-year deal that will carry a salary of $750K.
12:45pm: Attending training camp on a professional tryout has proven successful for another veteran player. When speaking with reporters including Murat Ates of The Athletic, Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed that the team will be announcing a contract for Trevor Lewis, once they can move Bryan Little to long-term injured reserve later today. Lewis had been in camp on a PTO but almost immediately seemed to secure a roster spot with his versatility and hard work.
Now 34, it was surprising to see Lewis even have to agree to a tryout after a decade in the NHL. His game has never been about lighting up the score sheet with points, but instead providing capable defense and support to his flashier linemates. In parts of 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, he recorded more than 20 points on just three occasions and had just 12 in 56 games last season.
He’ll fit into the Jets bottom-six as a player who can line up just about anywhere. Bringing two Stanley Cup rings and plenty of leadership he’ll be a welcome addition in a year where every team will be facing the same opponents on a regular basis. Lewis isn’t expected to earn much more than the league minimum on a one-year deal, though those details have not been officially announced just yet.
“…it was surprising to see Lewis even have to agree to a tryout after a decade in the NHL” You and me both, Gavin! Glad to see Trev find a landing spot. Anywhere is better than nowhere, especially for a good-character guy. Hope he has a great season.