Jets Sign Simon Lundmark to One-Year, Two-Way Contract
The Winnipeg Jets have signed Simon Lundmark to a one-year, two-way contract. The 23-year-old defenseman played 67 games for the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate, last season, recording five goals and 12 assists.
He also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games. Lundmark, a Stockholm native, was selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has accumulated 12 goals and 36 assists in 188 AHL regular-season games.
lund-Mark him down for another season in Winnipeg! 🏠pic.twitter.com/mnGHdL3clO
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 26, 2024
Internationally, he has represented Sweden in multiple competitions, including winning gold at the 2016 Under-17 Challenge. Before joining the AHL, Lundmark played four seasons in Sweden’s top men’s league, the SHL, where he tallied two goals and 14 assists in 118 games.
The Jets finished last season with a record of 52-24-6, placing second in the Central Division but were eliminated by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mark Scheifele led the team in scoring with 72 points, while Josh Morrissey contributed a team-high 59 assists.
In other moves, the Jets acquired defenseman Dylan Coghlan from the Carolina Hurricanes and signed him to a one-year, $775,000 contract. Coghlan played 61 games for the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, scoring 16 goals and 25 assists. He has 106 NHL games under his belt, with 22 points from his time with the Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.
The Jets also extended Ville Heinola’s contract for two years, with an average annual value of $800,000. Heinola was picked 20th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Central Division Under-the-Radar Prospects for 2024-25
As we continue our series highlighting one relatively unheralded prospect from each team who might make an NHL impact in the 2024-25 season, we turn our focus to the Central Division.
Chicago Blackhawks: Ethan Del Mastro, D
The 6’4” defenseman had a strong first professional season and has climbed the depth chart, possibly becoming a key player during the Connor Bedard era.
Colorado Avalanche: Ivan Ivan, C
Known for his standout performance in the AHL, Ivan earned a two-year entry-level contract and could be a cost-effective option for the cap-strapped Avalanche.
Dallas Stars: Christian Kyrou, D
Despite his size, Kyrou has emerged as a promising puck-moving defenseman and could be crucial for the Stars as they look to bolster their blue line depth.
Minnesota Wild: Caedan Bankier, C
Bankier stood out in a struggling Iowa Wild team and could see NHL action if he continues to develop, especially with the team adding experienced AHL players.
Ethan Del Mastro takes his rookie solo lap ahead of his NHL debut at the United Center, and his proud family is recording him from the stands. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/E5JOXu3jvN
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 13, 2024
Nashville Predators: Ryan Ufko, D
Ufko has shown top-four potential and could be a valuable addition to the Predators, especially given their current financial constraints.
St. Louis Blues: Dylan Peterson, C
Peterson, a right-handed center, could fill a checking role for the Blues as they navigate a transition period. He may not start in the NHL but could get a look later in the season.
Ryan Ufko scores his first goal of the playoffs for the Admirals to give them a 2-0 lead in the 3rd.
With transition underway on the Preds' blueline, don't forget about this guy. 21 years old, just turned pro after finishing career at UMass. pic.twitter.com/X3mfEHz0sK
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) May 27, 2024
Utah Hockey Club: Sam Lipkin, C
Lipkin, a standout seventh-round pick, has shown promise and could become a middle-six center for Utah HC in the near future.
Winnipeg Jets: Parker Ford, C
Ford, known for his relentless energy, could be a bottom-six option for the Jets next season. Despite being undersized, he has impressed with his performance in the AHL.
