Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Paul Stastny. It’s a one-year deal that carries a $3.75MM cap hit.
Stastny, now 35 years of age, will look to spend his second-straight full season in a Winnipeg uniform with a bit more offensive success. The four-time 60-point scorer has had a rougher go of it in recent years with injury catching up to him and has seen his ice time reduced as well. He’s posted back-to-back seasons under 40 points for the first time in his career, but he’s still a capable top-six talent who brings veteran leadership.
It’s certainly an efficient gamble on a one-year deal for the Jets and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. While Stastny’s finishing ability isn’t what it used to be, he’s still one of the best offensive chance generators in the league. He could do well playing with a talent like Blake Wheeler or Pierre-Luc Dubois, both big-name players who struggled offensively in Winnipeg last season. Stastny also still brings one of the better complete games in the league, maintaining his role as an above-average defensive center with penalty-killing capabilities.
It remains to be seen whether this one-year pact could be Stastny’s last go of it in the league, but what’s for certain is that he’s taking a team-friendly deal. Taking a pay cut of almost $3MM to stay with the team, they’ll likely use the added space to make an addition to the defense corps in front of goalie Connor Hellebuyck. A more well-rounded team could bring great success to the Jets this season as they still look to capture their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
That’s not a bad deal not great but not bad. Perfect 3C for them and can play special teams and top 6 if injury bug hits. Bit expensive but 1 year deal
I can’t believe he’s 35. I remember when his dad played. Jeez
@deron867 – I saw his Dad on C-SPAN a few years ago. I didn’t hit the second button on the remote fast enough, but stopped when I heard a familiar voice, so I got closer to the TV to read where this was originating. For whatever reason, they were showing European Parliament proceedings and there was Paul’s Dad, Peter, looking amazing and sounding exactly the same as his playing days. And, considering what he and brothers Marian and Anton and their families went through to get here, that says something. When the immortal Dan Kelly’s voice uttered the words “The Czech Line”, you stopped what you were doing and got to the TV – fast!
Thought Stastny would re-sign there. He and the Jets seem like a good fit for each other.
@Gbear – Almost seems a bit ironic, doesn’t it? WPG has a similar rep to EDM regarding “desirability” to play in each respective city. Yet, Chevy was smart enough to bring Paul back after his first stint, and showed he can still play. His worst year on the dots was 50.0% (3rd year at C), and is still a respectable faceoff machine. As long as his health holds up, he could be there on one-year deals for a few more years.
@Mac – Shame really that the Jets lost him for that 2 year stretch to Vegas. Definately hurt their lineup not having him.
So, Paul Stastny is only getting a bit more than Patrick Nemeth is supposedly going to get?
Good job, Chevy. What are the Rangers up to?
Or 1.25M different according to reports. Fairly significant difference at 2.5-3.75M ranges. That’s 33.3%. Not just “a bit”
Stastny is a top 6 center (even though he might not play that role on a team with Scheifele and Dubois), those are hard to find.
Bottom pair D men are not hard to find.