Jets' Top Draft Pick Is Breaking Out At The Perfect Time

The Winnipeg Jets used their top-10 selection in 2020 on forward Cole Perfetti. Since his selection, Perfetti had been playing mostly in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. He had good but not outstanding point production for a player of his caliber.

Last season he finally got his first taste of full-time action at the NHL level. In 51 games he piled up 30 points which is a respectable total for a good prospect in their first large chunk of NHL action. This season Perfetti has been given more opportunity and ran with it in Winnipeg.

For the 2023-24 season, Perfetti leads the Jets in even strength points per 60 minutes.

While Perfetti's offensive game has been strong all season it is his growth defensively that has improved the most. To start the year Perfetti was getting fewer minutes in defensive situations which led to fewer minutes overall.

As the year has gone on he has now earned the trust of the staff. His career year is coming at the perfect time for himself and the Jets.

Perfetti is in the last year of his entry-level contract. This means that he and the Winnipeg Jets are likely having extension talks. His excellent play is a good sign for both sides.

Perfetti will likely now get closer to a dollar amount that he would prefer and potentially get a long-term offer.

For the Jets, they have flexibility in how they handle Perfetti's situation. They can buy in and try and extend him long term now which brings down the year-to-year cap hit. If they aren't yet convinced his play is sustainable they could do a bridge contract as a higher cap hit.

Both of these options have their benefits and downfalls for the player and organization. With Perfetti being a restricted free agent he will be back with the organization either way more than likely. If he continues his incredible play a long-term deal is probably the most likely outcome.