Winnipeg Jets sign rookie defenseman Zach Bogosian to two-year, $5 million deal -NHL offseason Update
Canada’s newly relocated team, Winnipeg Jets, followed in the footsteps of Boston Bruins and also re-signed their fresh entry-level contract graduated player, Zach Bogosian, to a two-year contract worth a reported $5 million, nearly identical to that which
Brad Marchand signed with his 2010 Stanley Cup winning team.
Like Marchand, Bogosian was also hopeful of striking a deal with Winnipeg as soon as possible, preferably before the new 2011-2012 regular season kicked off and luckily things worked out.
“A contract is a big thing and to get that out of the way relieves a lot of thoughts that are in your head”, Bogosian said in an interview with the Winnipeg Sun. “Obviously, it came down to the wire here but both sides found (common) ground and I’m real
happy that it got done”.
Bogosian was drafted as the third-overall pick during round-one of the 2008 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by the former, Atlanta Thrasher franchise, and had played three straight seasons with the club before their relocation up north.
“As far as the relocation, I was really excited we were coming to Winnipeg and to come to a passionate hockey town,” Bogosian added about the situation which nearly left his team-less after last season. “Hopefully, for many years to come I can be a Winnipeg
Jet”.
The restricted free agent (RFA), received nearly double the salary what he was making during his three-year commitment with Atlanta which was worth $2.625 million, but had a higher annual cap hit of $3.375 million.
Last season, Bogosian had a good season but not nearly the same as is second major league season. In 2008-2009 with Thrashers, Bogosian registered 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists) in 47 matchups. The following season was a career high with 23 points (10 goals,
13 assists) in 81 games played.
It was only 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) last season for 21-year-old in 71 games, but insists that next season will with a bit of luck be much better.
Winnipeg Jets have high hopes vested in the young defender, thus, making it much exciting to follow the player throughout next season.
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