The Winnipeg Jets have just concluded a four-game homestand in which they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks while losing to the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. A star-studded homestand that included Sebastian Aho, Jake Oettinger, Connor McDavid, and Connor Bedard was held.
The Jets struggled tremendously at times, were saved by outstanding goaltending at moments, and perhaps even discovered a new top-line three during the four-game homestand. There was plenty to learn from the experience.
Re-signing Nino Niederreiter to a three-year agreement worth $4 million per season was the Winnipeg Jets’ big news as they wrapped up their homestand. “I think we have a good chance in the coming years to be an elite team, and I’m happy to be a part of it,” Niederreiter told reporters during practice, expressing his happiness.
Winnipeg struck gold with this signing. Niederreiter has previously expressed publicly how much he loves the team, the city, and his want to play for a winning squad.
Niederreiter cannot be categorized as the third line in terms of productivity and deployment, but they have been one-third of the greatest bottom six lines in the entire NHL. Niederreiter is a major factor in why they have earned more ice time than the Jets second line, which they spend more time on average.
Niederreiter will provide significant value to his recently signed contract because he is an all-around force at even strength. Given that his contract is for $4 million and the Athletic’s market value estimations put his worth at $6.7 million, the Jets appear to have received a great deal on this signing.
