![Winnipeg Jets avoid arbitration, sign defenseman Neal Pionk to 4-year deal Winnipeg Jets avoid arbitration, sign defenseman Neal Pionk to 4-year deal](http://dailysportingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/r894491_1296x729_16-9-768x432.jpg)
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets have avoided arbitration and signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a four-year contract worth roughly $23.5 million.
The 26-year-old Pionk will earn about $5.8 million per year, the team said in a statement Wednesday.
The Jets acquired the Nebraska native in a 2019 trade with the New York Rangers. Since then, he’s scored nine goals and recorded 68 assists to lead all Jets defensemen in scoring.
A salary arbitration hearing had been set for Friday.