BREAKING: Winnipeg Jets Lock Up Another Key Veteran Player

The Winnipeg Jets have locked up another key pending UFA, signing forward Nino Niederreiter to a three-year extension worth $12M. 

Today’s forecast: THREE MORE YEARS of El Niño in WINNIPEG ❄️ pic.twitter.com/1ugllJNiuR

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 4, 2023

The $4M AAV deal keeps "El Nino" in Winnipeg, who has done nothing but perform since coming over from the Nashville Predators last season. It's a good value contract for both sides. 

The middle-six forward registered 13 points in 22 games at the tail end of last year, and has already produced six goals and 14 points in 23 contests in the current campaign, to go along with a plus-9 in about 15 minutes of ice time per night. The two-way winger helps at both ends of the ice. 

Niederreiter, 31, has compiled seven 20-goal seasons in his 12-year NHL career, and came into his 13th year on a run of three straight years cracking that barrier. 

He was selected with the 5th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 2010 draft, and has registered 211 goals, 212 assists and 423 points in 833 games with a plus/minus of +43. 

Just before the season, the Jets also locked up goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and centre Mark Scheifele to seven-year contract extensions.

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports