Cole Perfetti cemented his future with the Winnipeg Jets earlier this month when he signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension.
The 24-year-old centre was coming off a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Jets.
“Coming off a two-year deal, it was nice to get five years and kind of settle in and be able to call Winnipeg home for another five years,” Perfetti said on TSN Radio on Friday. “We love it there. I’m super happy to get that done and just looking forward to now playing and living there for another five years and keep going with the group that we have.”
Perfetti was with his parents at the family cottage when got the call with the offer.
“My mom and dad were here and were just running some errands. I was on the phone on the way up. Sure enough, when we got here, they presented the offer. Just super happy, super excited, really just grateful that I was with my mom and dad. They were there, so I was able to see their reaction when I told them. That part was cool.”
The 24-year-old forward had 12 goals and 32 points in 68 points last season. The new deal allowed him to avoid arbitration with the Jets.
“Going to arb isn’t ideal for the relationship of the player and the club,” Perfetti said. “We never wanted to go there. They never wanted to go to arb. I was really glad we were able to get that done because I love being in Winnipeg and I’m very grateful that they obviously want me to continue to play there.”
While the new contract gives Perfetti stability, he’s also aware of the pressure that comes with a long-term deal.
“When you’re in a contract year, there’s pressure on yourself to perform well to get another contract and all that kind of stuff,” Perfetti said.
“Now, once you’ve signed the longer-term deal, it almost becomes and new kind of pressure on yourself of ‘Okay, now I’ve got to justify this. I’ve got to go be the player that they expect me to be and that I expect to be’ I’m looking forward to it though.”
However, Perfetti also acknowledged that the new contract does relieve some pressure.
“It’s not going to be living and dying on every single game now. You’re able to kind of just go out and play your game and relax and have fun with it. I think that’s going to be really good for me.”
Perfetti was drafted 10th overall by the Jet in 2020. His best season came during the 2024-25 campaign. He had 18 goals and 50 points in 82 games.
The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy that season, finishing with a 56-22-4 record.
The highlight of Perfetti’s career game in Game 7 of Round One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues. Perfetti scored a game-tying goal with 1.6 seconds left in the third period. The Jets went on to win the game and the series 4-3 in double overtime.
“To be honest, I don’t even remember it. I kind of blacked out. I was late in the shift, and our six-on-five unit was on the ice for like two minutes, so I was tired to begin with, and then we scored.” Perfetti said.
“I blacked out; I don’t even remember what happened. But I remember how crazy loud it was after the fact, like 20,30 seconds after. That’s Winnipeg fans for you. It’s incredible.”
