NHL News: Jets sign Brossoit, Namestnikov for upcoming season

The Winnipeg Jets have made two key signings in NHL free agency by bringing back familiar faces to their roster, goaltender Laurent Brossoit and forward Vladislav Namestnikov.

Brossoit, previously a backup for the Jets, has returned on a one-year, $1.75 million contract. He did so after spending time with the Vegas Golden Knights in the past two seasons. Last April, he played a part in the Golden Knights’ victory over the Jets in the first round of playoffs.

Meanwhile, Namestnikov has returned for a two-year, $4 million deal with the Jets. The Jets acquired Namestnikov from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick at the trade deadline last season. The contract carries an annual average value of $2 million.

Potential players for future season

From 2018 to 2021, Brossoit was the understudy for Jets senior goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He participated in 54 games with the Jets before joining the Golden Knights.

Despite suffering a groin tear in Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers, Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Brossoit had assured the executive he was fit to play. Cheveldayoff highlighted Brossoit’s eagerness to return and work alongside Hellebuyck again.

“The opportunity to come back and work with Hellebuyck was something that appealed to (Brossoit),” Cheveldayoff said. “They’ll be a good tandem. L.B. has grown in the goaltending department as well. He’s a different goaltender than he was when he was here the first time, which is going to benefit the organization.”

About Namestnikov, Cheveldayoff said that “Vladdy” had performed exceptionally well. The Jets’ executive conveyed the 30-year-old’s enthusiasm to return to the team.

After his acquisition, Namestnikov contributed significantly to the Jets’ performance. He has played in 20 games, recording two goals and eight assists. During the playoffs, he posted two assists in five games.

“The keeping of Vladdy, the addition of the three forwards (Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari from the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade) really gives us a group of forwards that we really haven’t had at any point in time in this organization from top to bottom,” Cheveldayoff said.

Earlier, the Jets also secured the services of goalie Collin Delia with a one-year, one-way contract valued at $775,000.

The undrafted Delia has played 52 games in the major league. He has a track record of maintaining a .897 save percentage. During his time in Vancouver last season, Delia achieved a 10-6-2 record in 20 appearances, with a .882 save percentage and a 3.28 goals-against average.

Delia is set to join the Jets’ AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose alongside Oskari Salminen. Meanwhile, fifth-rounder Thomas Milic serves as the third goalie. Delia may start the season in the ECHL.

Possible move in free-agent market

Cheveldayoff mentioned that the Jets have some ongoing plans in the free-agent market. He indicated that the team is considering a few “intriguing” possibilities. Among the available options were defensemen Matt Dumba and Ethan Bear. However, Bear’s injury was expected to prevent him from being ready for the start of the season.

He also addressed the ongoing speculation about the expiring contracts of Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele. Several reports suggest that both players are unwilling to sign contract extensions. However, the Jets’ general manager showed no worry heading into the 2023-24 season, describing both players as “lame ducks.”

Cheveldayoff acknowledged that the off-season is unpredictable and anything could happen. Yet, he said that the team remains open to the possibility of contract extensions for Hellebuyck and Scheifele.