Chevy’s next move is signing Perreault to an extension

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This article was published 26/06/2016 (3482 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Already looking at the days when contracts take centre stage in the news, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said Saturday he’s hoping to find an extension for winger Mathieu Perreault in the coming days.

This fall, Perreault will start the third year of the three-year free-agent deal he signed with the team in 2014.

The window for a contract extension for Perreault and others whose contracts expire next summer opens July 1.

“It’s not quite like the free agency period, but July 1 is coming up; we can’t do anything until July 1, but again, he ended up switching agents and we’ve had to talk with a different group, but there is some good mutual traction both ways,” Cheveldayoff said.

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The 2016 NHL Draft had selections of interest to various parts of Manitoba.

The Jets selected a homegrown player, Jordan Stallard of Brandon, who played with the Calgary Hitmen least season.

Stallard was chosen in the fifth round, with the 127th overall pick.

Other names called this year:

● Oakbank’s Brett Howden, a centre, by Tampa Bay, in the first round, 27th;

● Winnipegger Adam Brooks, a centre with the Regina Pats, by Toronto, with the first pick of the fourth round, 92nd;

● Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Kale Clague, by L.A., with the 21st pick of the second round, 51st overall;

● Brandon Wheat Kings centre Tanner Kaspick, a Brandon native, by St. Louis, with the 28th pick of the fourth round, 119th overall;

● Portage Terriers defenceman Dean Stewart, a Portage native, by Arizona, with the seventh pick of the seventh round, 188th overall.

● London Knights left-winger Max Jones, son of former Jets skater Brad Jones, by Anaheim with the 24th pick of the first round;

● Spokane Chiefs centre Hudson Elynuik, son of former Jets skater Pat Elynuik, by Carolina with the 13th pick of the third round, 74th overall.

Brooks had an exceptional year with the Pats.

The 20-year-old had 38 goals and 82 assists for 120 points, a 58-point improvement over his third WHL season.

● Myrtle’s Wade Allison (USHL) was taken in the second round (52nd overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Saturday, the discussion period began between teams and players/agents for anyone who will be an unrestricted free agent as of Friday.

Clubs are allowed to talk generalities with upcoming free agents but not discuss or arrive at contract details or agreements, so the rules say.

Cheveldayoff wouldn’t indicate what he’s up to, but did say he opened some conversations on Saturday.

“In some ways it’s exciting the window’s open when you’re here,” he said. “You get an opportunity to meet, myself or (assistant GM) Larry Simmons, get a chance to maybe go up into the crowd and meet with some of the agents and get an initial feel of where some of the players you might be interested in, what they’re looking at or what they’re thinking.”

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca