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Would Pietrangelo Consider Short-Term Deal With the Winnipeg Jets?

If Alex Pietrangelo was interested in a short-term deal to maximize his yearly salary, how well do the Winnipeg Jets fit?

No one really knows what Alex Pietrangelo is going to do until he does it. The highly-coveted pending free agent defensemen will be the talk of this year’s free agent class and he’s likely not going to have to take a discount on his services, unless he wants to.

His current team, the St. Louis Blues want him back. But, his current GM Doug Armstrong has admitted that it’s completely up to Pietrangelo who is firmly in the driver’s seat based on his asking price. If he’s comes in at a number the Blues can afford, they’ll move the pieces needed to make it work. If he doesn’t, they’ll have no choice but to let him walk.

When asked about which way he might be leaning, Pietrangelo kept his answer simple. “I’m not going to answer that.” Knowing the hockey world will be watching and the dominoes for free agent defensemen will fall when he decides, he added, “We’ll find out soon.”

What will be interesting to watch are the options that begin to present themselves depending on how flexible he is with his future.

Pietrangelo Wants a Challenge

Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet recently took a look at what Pietrangelo might be thinking based on recent comments the defenseman made about what comes next. Wondering if he could realistically see himself putting on a different jersey next season, the defenseman said, “Lots of guys do it.” That said, he did make sure to say, “I hope it doesn’t get to that point.”

Pietrangelo has maintained that his preference is to stay in St. Louis. He said, “I grew up here. This is the only place I know professionally.” Noting that he’d love the challenge of trying to win another Stanley Cup, once you win one, you can’t help but have a taste for more. Clearly, he believes the Blues have a good chance to win again and that he can be a key piece to that success.

Still, it’s not his only option.

Bringing Wins to Another Franchise

“You want different challenges,” Pietrangelo said. He added, “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, the goal is always the same.”

While his preference is to stay put, his comments suggest that he could envision himself helping another team win. The question becomes, what teams offers an environment where adding his skills would benefit both parties? Furthermore, who can afford to pay $9 to $10 million per season for that piece that perhaps takes a team from a contender to a winner?

If a new challenge, the right money and a chance to win are his priorities, there are really only a select few options. Most of the teams who can actually afford his services aren’t contenders. But one team stands out.

Related: Blues’ GM Notes Alex Pietrangelo’s Future With Team In D-Man’s Hands

The Jets Check All Pietrangelo’s Boxes

Wiebe notes, if Pietrangelo were open to one- or two-year deal with a higher cap hit, his options open up a bit. All of a sudden, a team like the Winnipeg Jets could throw their hat into the ring and make a bid.

The Jets can’t go long-term. They’ve got Patrik Laine, Neal Pionk and Andrew Copp who will all be looking for new deals after next season. But, if Pietrangelo were open to a short-term deal, knowing in two seasons the money will still be there for him in the NHL marketplace, the Jets might make sense now.

First, if Pietrangelo wants a challenge, there may be no bigger one than turning a decimated blue line into a strong one again. The loss of Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers and Jacob Trouba stung. Should Dmitry Kulikov leave as a UFA, the Jets could use a lot of help.

Second, if Kulkov leaves, Wiebe points out that the Jets may have more money to spend on improving their defense than practically any other team in the NHL. On a short-term deal, Pietrangelo stands to make out quite well.

Third, the Jets are a very good, young team. The franchise has a strong core group of forwards that have to look attractive for any free agent. Whether it’s another forward joining the core of a defenseman looking for players to pass to, there are some talented stars on the Jets that Pietrangelo could work with and elevate. And, let’s not forget, the also happen to have a Vezina-Trophy candidate goaltender in between the pipes.

If Pietrangelo wants a long-term deal, Winnipeg is probably not a fit. But, if he’d be interested in a two-year and would accept $10 million per season, don’t rule them out. He could do a whole lot worse.

Next: Andersen’s Agent Talks If His Goalie Has Asked Maple Leafs For Trade

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