Could Ville Heinola crack the Jets roster next season?

It was recently announced by the Winnipeg Jets that they have re-signed defensive prospect Ville Heinola to a 2 year contract extension worth $1.6 million dollars.

The former 2019 first round draft pick has been making headway in his development, but next year poses a prime opportunity for Ville to make the jump to the NHL. With uncertainties looming around the Jets current third pairing, Ville has his eyes on the prize.

Heinola has played 152-career AHL games and it's clear he is too good for the level. He needs meaningful NHL minutes to further develop the defensive side of his game and is no longer waiver exempt, so trying to send him down would be fraught with risk. Nonetheless, he will have to impress a new coaching staff — new head coach Scott Arniel and new assistant coaches Davis Payne and Dean Chynoweth — if he wants to establish himself as a big-league regular.

Its do or die for Ville Heinola next season. Although they have him locked in to a bridge deal for the next two seasons, the time is now for Heinola to prove his worth and make the jump to the big leagues.

source: The Hockey Writers
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