Heart-and-soul Lowry signs five-year extension with Jets

Adam Lowry is the heart and soul of the Winnipeg Jets, leading by example on and off the ice.

On Wednesday night, the 32-year-old got what he’d been hoping for: a contract extension that all but guarantees he’ll finish his NHL career where it began.

Lowry signed a new five-year deal that starts next season and runs through 2030–31. The contract carries an average annual value of US$5 million, which is a significant raise from the US$3.25 million he currently earns. With the salary cap expected to rise sharply in the coming years, his share of the team’s payroll is unlikely to increase much, if at all.

True North clearly feels he’s worth every penny. Co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman broke the news at the team’s annual fundraising gala at Canada Life Centre, with Jets defenceman Neal Pionk adding an assist as he rolled a video with the official announcement which included general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff singing Lowry’s praises.

“Adam embodies the characteristics and the class the Winnipeg Jets value,” said Cheveldayoff.

Lowry also recorded a quick thank-you video for fans, which was shared at the event and posted on the club’s social media channels.

“I just wanted to say how excited I am to sign for five more years. I love playing in front of you all. It’s a terrific place to play. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully bring Stanley home,” he said.

Drafted in the third round (67th overall) in 2011, Lowry was the second pick in Jets 2.0 history. He has grown into one of the league’s premier shutdown centres, regularly tasked with facing opponents’ top lines. His presence has been a major factor in Winnipeg becoming the NHL’s stingiest defensive team for two consecutive seasons.

Offensively, Lowry has continued to evolve. He set a career high with 16 goals last season, then added four more in the playoffs — including the unforgettable Game 7 overtime winner against the St. Louis Blues that capped the “Manitoba Miracle.”

Across 782 regular-season games and 62 playoff contests, Lowry has recorded 300 points (137 goals, 163 assists) along with 457 penalty minutes.

The St. Louis-born, Calgary-raised centre was named captain prior to the 2023-24 season and carries significant weight in the locker room, helping establish a positive, winning culture which has become synonymous with the Jets in recent years, especially when they captured their first ever division title, conference title and Presidents’ Trophy last season.

“Adam embodies the characteristics and the class the Winnipeg Jets value.”

Lowry’s impact extends beyond the rink. He is an ambassador for Toba Centre for Children and Youth, supporting children and families affected by abuse.

“I feel like on the ice I’m more of a protector,” Lowry previously told the Free Press about his charitable work.

“I’m not a super aggressive person off the ice, but it comes along with the territory (in hockey). So it was a natural fit. To try and be a leading voice of change for these kids, to try and be a voice for the Toba Centre.”

Lowry was slated to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, but he made it clear he had no interest in leaving.

“I picture myself as a Winnipeg Jet for life,” he said last spring when the subject of his contract status was first raised.

“I love the city, love playing in front of these fans. As long as they want to bring me back, I’m more than happy to come back.”

He reiterated that commitment this fall while recovering from off-season hip surgery, which delayed his season debut until earlier this month. He has one goal and two assists in seven games for the 12-7-0 Jets.

“I just wanted to say how excited I am to sign for five more years. I love playing in front of you all. It’s a terrific place to play. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully bring Stanley home.”

Following the team’s practice Wednesday afternoon at the Hockey For All Centre, Lowry and Cheveldayoff were spotted having a lengthy discussion which ended with the GM patting the captain on the back.

Lowry now joins Mark Scheifele (signed through 2031), Connor Hellebuyck (2031) and Kyle Connor (2034) as “drafted and developed” players positioned to finish their careers in Winnipeg. Defenceman Josh Morrissey, signed through 2028, could eventually become the fifth foundatinal piece to stay put.

It’s a remarkable trend for a franchise often perceived as a challenging destination for free agents and players with trade protection.

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