Winnipeg Jets 2021 Season Awards: Best Defenseman
As we continue to name our individual award winners from the Winnipeg Jets during the 2021 season, we are now up to naming the top defenseman of the season.
This Jets defenseman was a difference-maker throughout the season on Winnipeg’s blue line by not only shutting down opposition goal scorers but providing the Jets with a considerable amount of offense.
Our pick for the defenseman of the year is Neal Pionk. The twenty-five-year-old led the Jets’ d-core in points while finishing with a +6 plus/minus during the regular season.
Neal Pionk was extremely consistent throughout the season for the Winnipeg Jets
Pionk played exactly as advertised during his 54 regular season games played: an outstanding skater with terrific vision.
The Jets’ number four was reliable on the breakout. His breakout passes helped the Jets clear their defensive zone and begin their attack on the opposition.
Pionk’s talent was on full display on the man advantage. The Omaha, Nebraska native gave opposition penalty killers a tough task as he could either release the perfect shot from the point for a redirection or he could put the puck “on a tee” for his teammates to one time it into the back of the net.
Pionk’s ice time got a considerable raise in the playoffs as he averaged a whopping 26 minutes of time on ice. During those eight playoff games, Pionk had four assists.
Pionk was definitely a game-changer for the Jets on their blueline throughout 2021 and is our pick as the Jets’ best defensemen from the past season.
Neal Pionk is a restricted free agent this offseason and is coming off a two-year contract with a $3,000,000 average annual value. As of right now, Pionk is eligible in the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft.
Check back to our site throughout the coming weeks as we continue to name our picks of award winners from the 2021 Winnipeg Jets!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What should the terms of Neal Pionk’s next contract with the Winnipeg Jets be? Leave your comments below!
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