Paul Stastny Leaves the Winnipeg Jets in Free Agency; Signs in Metro

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 11, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 11, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Coming into this point of the offseason, the Winnipeg Jets still have a few unanswered questions. One of the remaining questions coming into today was whether the Jets would resign veteran unrestricted free agent forward, Paul Stastny.

Stastny was coming off his second stint with the Jets and had an outstanding season last season. Stastny was first traded to the Jets during the 2017-2018 season as the Jets geared up for a playoff run. After that season, Stastny then signed as a free agent with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Stastny then played in two seasons with Vegas, before being traded back to the Jets before the 2020-2021 regular season. During the 2021 shortened season, Stastny played in all 56 regular season games and posted 13 goals, 16 assists, and a minus-three plus/minus. He then signed a one-year deal that offseason to remain in Winnipeg with the Jets.

During this past 2021-2022 season, Stastny played in his 1,000 NHL career game and had a terrific season offensively. He scored 21 goals and added 24 assists en route to 45 points while posting a plus-fourteen plus/minus in 71 games played.

But at the end of last season, the thirty-six-year-old’s one-year contract with an average annual value of $3,750,000 expired, and the veteran returned to free agency. There was no telling if Stastny would again return to the Jets or sign elsewhere, but that question was answered today.

The Winnipeg Jets will not be resigning Paul Stastny as he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes announced that Paul Stastny has signed a one-year deal with Carolina with an average annual value of $1,500,000.

It is interesting to note that Stastny’s salary went down more than $2,000,000 per year than his last contract with the Jets.

He joins the Hurricanes who have made the playoffs the past four seasons and lost in the Second Round of the playoffs the past two seasons.

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During his career, Stastny appeared in 146 games with the Winnipeg Jets and had 38 goals and 49 assists for 87 points.

Stastny will make his return to Winnipeg on November 21 when the Jets host the Hurricanes at the Canada Life Centre.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your reactions to Paul Stastny signing with the Carolina Hurricanes? Leave your comments below!