The March 6 trade deadline is just one week away, and you know what that means. This next stretch of days is going to be full of news, rumours, and trades, one of the busiest times of the season as contenders look to improve and others try to make one final push for the playoffs.
“In Winnipeg, Logan Stanley’s name is out there, and teams are also calling on winger Cole Perfetti. He would be Winnipeg’s most valuable trade chip outside of their biggest roster players. Perfetti is another two years away from being UFA eligible, so the Jets need to think about his future and decide if he’s worth a long-term extension soon. For now, he’s not on my list, but is a name I’m watching closely heading into next week.”
Perfetti signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract on Sept. 23, 2024, which expires following the 2025-26 campaign, when he’ll become a restricted free agent.
There’s definitely some thinking to do for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.
The Whitby, Ont. native was poised for a breakout season after putting up 50 points (18G, 32A) in 82 games last year, but he, like many of his teammates, hasn’t had the year many expected. You could argue the ankle injury he suffered in the preseason didn’t do him any favours, as he didn’t make his season debut until early November. The loss of Nikolaj Ehlers on the second line also appeared to impact his production more than anticipated.
The former first-round pick has seven goals and 12 assists in 43 games this season.