Neal Pionk is projected to lead the team in hits
Photo credit: Illegal Curve
Neal Pionk is certainly one of the more scrutinized players of the Winnipeg Jets.
Although some NHL enthusiasts consider him an underrated player, some Jets fans see it differently. Last season, Pionk was seemingly always in the wrong place at the wrong time and fell victim to unfortunate bounces that resulted in goals for the opposition. Despite some of the criticism, Pionk is projected to lead the team in hits next season.
Neal Pionk is not a huge guy at 6-feet and 186 pounds, but he's a tough customer who plays like a small truck and can dish out a big hit or two (he's also somewhat of a hip-check specialist.) The defenseman has cited «growing up with four brothers, probably,» as the origin of his feistiness
Last season, Pionk racked up 221 hits in 82 games, a career high and second on the team to Brenden Dillon's 241. Dillion's departure in free agency should pave the way for Pionk to lead the Jets in hits for the first time, especially if he's still deployed in a top-four role. Also playing to Pionk's advantage is his historic durability: he has missed just five games in six seasons with the Jets and didn't miss a game over the past two campaigns.
With Dillon walking away in free agency, the door is now open for Pionk to lead the team in a critical statistic. The Jets defensive core has taken a hit this offseason, and it is now time for Pionk to step up and prove to the team he's a capable blue liner.
source: The Hockey Writers
Winnipeg Jets 2024-25 Stat Leader Predictions
Winnipeg Jets 2024-25 Stat Leader Predictions
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 100 ANSWERS Neal Pionk is projected to lead the team in hits Will Pionk lead the Jets in hits? | ||
| Yes | 59 | 59 % |
| No | 41 | 41 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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