Detroit Red Wings could spoil Winnipeg Jets' defensive core with sneaky off-season signing per NHL insider
The Detroit Red Wings are expected to bolster their defense this offseason, potentially via trade or free agency, after missing the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year.
NHL insider Rob Couch of NHLTradeRumors suggests the Red Wings will target Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in free agency.
Couch notes that Detroit has promising young defensemen like Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Axel Sandin Pellikka, but veterans such as Jeff Petry, Ben Chiarot, and Justin Holl, who are past their prime, should be moved to free up cap space and roster spots.
He notes that Pionk or Aaron Ekblad as the only suitable upgrades.
Pionk, in the final year of a four-year, $23.5 million contract with the Jets, is set to be a top free-agent defenseman.
He can provide offensive support from the blue line while remaining solid defensively, evidenced by his 9 goals and 29 assists for 38 points in 68 games this season.
«A right shot who makes good decisions with the puck and produces decent offensive numbers, Pionk is in line for a raise,» Johnston wrote. «Among his strengths are joining the attack or getting a wrist shot through traffic for teammates to tip or collect rebounds.
While there may be some modest concerns about his defensive impacts, Pionk is logging more than 22 minutes per night on the NHL's best regular-season team. Expect the Jets to try and make something work to keep him in Winnipeg.»
While there may be some modest concerns about his defensive impacts, Pionk is logging more than 22 minutes per night on the NHL's best regular-season team. Expect the Jets to try and make something work to keep him in Winnipeg.»
However, NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports that the Jets are keen to retain Pionk, a right-shot defenseman who logs over 22 minutes per game and contributes offensively with smart puck decisions.
Despite minor defensive concerns, Johnston ranks Pionk as the 10th-best free agent and expects Winnipeg to push for a contract extension before July 1.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 16 | 274 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings could spoil Winnipeg Jets' defensive core with sneaky off-season signing per NHL insider Where do you think the Red Wings must improve in the most this off-season? | ||
| Offense | 25 | 9.1 % |
| Defense | 197 | 71.9 % |
| Goaltending | 43 | 15.7 % |
| Coaching staff | 9 | 3.3 % |
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