Jets sign defenseman Logan Stanley to one-year deal

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Logan Stanley to a one-year contract worth $1M.

Stanley was the team’s second to last remaining RFA, along with depth defenseman Declan Chisholm. Stanley’s deal matches his qualifying offer from back in June, and will be an RFA again next summer.

The 6-foot-7 defenseman missed 40 games last year due to lower-body injuries, and struggled to become a full-time player in the lineup. He had three points and 44 hits in 19 games while averaging around 14 minutes a game.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire NHL career with the Jets since getting selected 18th overall in 2016. He played a career-best 58 games in 2021-22, where he scored one goal and 13 points. Stanley last played in the AHL in 2019-20, recording 32 points over two seasons.

Stanley had previously asked for a trade, and that could still happen with his cap-friendly deal. The Jets have a crowded blueliner, and Stanley hasn’t done enough to establish himself as an everyday player. 

Ville Heinola, who is also looking for a spot on the roster, has also asked for a trade, with others — including forward Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck — believed to be available.

With Stanley’s deal, the Jets currently have around $1.779M in projected cap space. The Jets have Josh Morrissey signed until 2028, and Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo are set to become UFAs after next summer. Everyone else is signed until 2025.