The Winnipeg Jets have completed another piece of their off-season roster puzzle, officially re-signing forward Morgan Barron to a new contract. The agreement, reached on Monday, ensures the 26-year-old will remain with the club for the next two seasons, successfully navigating past a potential arbitration hearing.
The deal is structured as a two-year contract with a total value of $3.7 million, resulting in an annual average value (AAV), or salary cap hit, of $1.85 million. This provides both the player and the team with cost certainty heading into the future.
Contract Term: 2 Years
Total Value: $3.7 Million
Annual Average Value (AAV): $1.85 Million
Status: Re-signing (Arbitration Avoided)
Barron, a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, established himself as a regular in the Jets lineup last season. He appeared in 74 regular season games, contributing 15 points split between 8 goals and 7 assists. He also participated in the team`s playoff run, registering two assists over 13 contests.
Originally a sixth-round pick (174th overall) by the New York Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Barron joined the Jets organization in March 2022 as part of the trade package that sent Andrew Copp to New York. Since turning professional, he has accumulated 60 points (30 goals, 30 assists) over 256 career NHL games played with both the Rangers and the Jets.
The signing of Barron secures a depth forward who provides versatility and cap-friendly value. While perhaps not the kind of transaction that generates front-page headlines or necessitates city-wide parades, these types of pragmatic deals are crucial for building a complete and competitive roster under the constraints of the salary cap. It confirms Barron`s place in the team`s plans and avoids the unpredictable nature of arbitration, allowing both parties to move forward with a clear picture for the immediate future.
