The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Drew Stafford just hours before he would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Stafford, 29, signed a two-year extension worth an average of $4.35 million per year.
“It was one of those things where I got the offer and I was extremely excited,” said Stafford during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.
The former Buffalo Sabre came over to Winnipeg last season in the Evander Kane trade.
He had an immediate impact scoring 19 points in 26 games after being acquired by Winnipeg, and helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since the franchise moved from Atlanta in 2011.
Stafford said the money and the term of the contract work well for both sides.
“I was only there for two months, they’d like to maybe see what I can do and how I can produce at the same time I’m also making close to what I had been making,” said Stafford.
“I’m all for the challenge of raising my game. I feel like I’ve got a lot left to prove, especially getting out of Buffalo. I felt when I got to Winnipeg I was able to get my game back and start to at least move the needle towards the positive side where I feel like I know how I can play.”
Stafford said he enjoyed his time in Winnipeg last season and looks forward to returning.
“I did have this in mind as far as extending in Winnipeg. It was an option from day one since I arrived,” he said.
“I had such a great experience there with all the guys and playing under Paul (Maurice) and the rest of the coaching staff and the way I was treated by Mr. Chipman and Chevy (Kevin Cheveldayoff).”
