The Winnipeg Jets re-signed Joel Armia to a two-year contract that comes with a $925,000 cap hit over the next two years, the club announced Thursday. While many might recall Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers as the main return in the Evander Kane deal that sent the oft-troubled winger to Buffalo, Armia was one of the other pieces that made its way to Winnipeg.
The #NHLJets have signed Joel Armia & Adam Lowry to 2-year contracts. Armia: $925,000 AAV; Lowry: $1.125M AAV. pic.twitter.com/25HSCa3Ckh
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 14, 2016
Armia scored four goals and 10 points in 43 games last season in the NHL. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s important to note that it was the 23-year-olds first season playing at the NHL level. Additionally, His all-around ability is definitely worth a longer look, even in a bottom-six role. For the cap-hit he signed for, there’s no reason to dislike this contract, especially given Armia’s poise at his age and potential to grow.
Contracts like this are beneficial to both the team, and the player, in situations such as this one. Neither have gotten the proper chance to truly evaluate their fit together, and an additional two years at an affordable cap-hit will do nothing but help the situation. The prospect pool in Winnipeg looks bright, and Armia, a former first-round draft pick, is just one of many names that will be gracing the ice at the MTS Centre for years to come.
