Jets extend Perreault for four years, $16.5M

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This article was published 07/07/2016 (3677 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets put another signing on the board today, announcing a four-year contract extension for forward Mathieu Perreault.

Perreault’s original contract with the Jets in 2014 was three years, the third of which is upcoming at $3 million per season.

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff announced the signing Thursday while speaking with reporters after the conclusion of the the team’s development camp. He said the contract extension was for four years and $16.5 million.

The window for that contract extension opened only last Friday. Cheveldayoff indicated at the draft in Buffalo that a deal with Perreault could be on the way.

“We’re agreed to terms with him,” the GM said. “That’s very exciting news for us and the entire franchise that a player like that, we get an opportunity to extend.

“Matt, his game is an infectious game and he’s a guy that likes the puck on his stick to make plays. He’s good on power plays and can play centre and play wing and has shown his versatility in a lot of different areas. I think that kind of versatility and enthusiasm and what he’s like in the room, the chemistry that’s there with him and the coaching staff, there are lots of positives.”

Perreault, the 28-year-old native of Drummondville, Que., had nine goals and 41 points in 71 games for the Jets last season.

Jets coach Paul Maurice, after Thursday’s session at the Iceplex, was happy to throw in his two cents worth on Perreault since he’s clearly a fan.

“Mathieu has found his place, found his home,” Maurice said. “He’s played the best hockey of his career here. He’s excited. He fits. And he’s become a very versatile player for us on the wings and at centre ice. And I think style of game, too. When the fans come and watch him and the players on the bench really appreciate his tenacity. For not a big guy, he plays with a big heart. We’re very fortunate and pleased he picked us again.”

Maurice hinted at the draft that he might prefer Perreault back at centre in the future and wasn’t afraid to say it again today.

“Some of what will decide that is what these other young players who come in (do) and who makes the team,” Maurice said. “One of the things that came out of Bryan Little’s injury and some other injuries, I liked the way Matty played at centre. That’s the position he probably enjoys the most and we’ve now got wingers coming and have a lot of speed and you’ve seen it here at development camp. We’ve got some kids coming pushing for those wing jobs so it’s an option for us to put him back in the middle.”

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca