Penguins/NHL
The Winnipeg Jets today signed captain Blake Wheeler to a 5 year, $41.25 million contract extension. For a franchise that is financially cautious, this is a big commitment to the 32 year old Wheeler as Wheeler will carry a $8.25 million cap hit through age 33-37.
Wheeler is coming off a monster season with 23 goals and 68 assists.
With Patrik Laine entering the final year of his contract and in line for a $9-$10 million pay day, the Jets are in keeping this core together for a Stanley Cup run the next 2-3 years.
Are they going to be dropping some of their depth, or counting on the cap going up? I don’t see how they keep everyone.
They probably will let Buff walk at some point or move him for some assets earlier. Toby is gone too which gives them some more room.. Next year will be interesting with Trouba and Myers up for new deals along with Laine but if the Cap continues to rise they could still make it work with one move here or there. Based on the current Cap they will have 27 million (before Morrissey) to try and fit everyone under the Cap. We can probably add another 2 – 3 million for the cap increase (maybe). So possibly 25ish to signed… Read more »
Not a surprise he got paid but the term could be long. While I try not to subscribe to the idea that people simply hit a cliff at a certain age this will take him through the period that we do tend to see drop offs. 1st couple years should be strong but it could be ugly in the last year or so.