Negotiations between the Winnipeg Jets and restricted free agent (RFA) forward Cole Perfetti have reached a deadlock, according to a report by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period on September 5. Talks are said to be “stagnant,” with no significant progress made so far.
Perfetti’s camp is reportedly waiting for a substantial offer from Jets management, which has not yet materialized.
Pagnotta noted that aside from a brief phone conversation the previous week, there has been little communication. He added that a single call could jumpstart negotiations, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Perfetti, 22, recently completed his entry-level contract worth $2.68 million. Last season, he contributed 19 goals and 19 assists, totaling 38 points in 71 games for the Jets.
Despite the current impasse, Pagnotta mentioned that a short-term bridge deal, likely around $4 million annually, seems the most probable outcome, though the possibility of a long-term deal remains if the Jets show interest.
Although there is speculation about an offer sheet, the report suggests Perfetti is unlikely to consider it, and the Jets would promptly match any offer sheet presented.
