The Winnipeg Jets have signed center Mathieu Perreault to a four-year contract extension carrying an AAV of $4.125 million, the team announced Thursday.
The 28-year-old scored nine goals and 41 points last season, tying his point total from the prior year, but halving his goal total. His points aren’t bad, but his real value lies in his ability to play a shot suppression role and control play for the Jets.
His 47.52 even-strength shot attempts against per 60 minutes last season was the best mark on the Jets and gave him a valuable role on a team that has burgeoning star scorers coming up like Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers.
Perreault’s overall possession numbers have been very good in recent years, with an impressive 7.55% adjusted CF%Rel last season. Even separated out, the Jets generated a ton more shots with him on the ice (more than an extra 11 shot attempts per hour when he was on the ice versus when he was off), and they suppressed shots at a much better rate with Perreault on as well.
Last season he did that with more offensive zone starts than defensive, but that hasn’t always been the case for him. He’s capable of pushing the game in the right direction with regularity, which will make him valuable as the Jets young stars continue to develop.
