EDINA, Minn. -- Neal Pionk says he is ready for the challenge of taking on a bigger role this season, his third in the NHL.
"I'm excited for it," the Winnipeg Jets defenseman said on Wednesday after winning the championship trophy in Da Beauty League, a 3-on-3 summer league for players with ties to Minnesota. "Especially now that we're getting close to training camp with a new team and a new locker room, it's going to be great. I'm ready to show them what I can do, I'm just excited for it."
The Jets acquired Pionk and a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft in a trade with the New York Rangers for defenseman Jacob Trouba on June 17. Pionk agreed to a two-year contract with the Jets on July 21 and avoided an arbitration hearing.
The 24-year-old will look to bolster the Jets defense, which not only must replace Trouba, but also lost defensemen Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot in free agency. Trouba had 50 points (eight goals, 42 assists) in 82 games last season. Myers, who had 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) last season, signed a five-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1. Chiarot, who had 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 78 games, signed a three-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens on July 4.
"Those are two great players," said Pionk, who had 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) and was minus-16 in 73 games for the Rangers last season. "And I think it's exciting to have an opportunity to grow my game and be a go-to guy and get time on special teams if that's what the coach wants. I think I can transition into [Winnipeg's] speed game whether that's myself skating or getting the puck up to the forwards at a quick, fast pace.
"I'm just looking to step into whatever role is needed of me."
The Jets have made two straight Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, losing in the Western Conference Final to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-18, and a first-round exit at the hands of Cup champions St. Louis Blues last season.
Pionk is optimistic about the Jets making a deeper run this season.
"The whole complexation of the team is a recipe for success," said Pionk. "They're fast and they're big, and that's a good combo, so that's really exciting. They know what success is like, and they still have the core of a team that has helped achieve a lot of that success. I think once we get into training camp, we will be able to see how strong of a team this is, and I think it's one that can do some really great things. It's exciting."
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