Winnipeg Jets defenceman currently under fire
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Neal Pionk is currently the subject of some controversy online.
Neal Pionk is one of those players that you either love or hate. Recently, the boys over at The Hockey Writers have been making harsh comments about Pionk pertaining to his overall value to the Winnipeg Jets.
The once highly regarded Jets defenceman has seen a massive decline in his overall performance over the past couple seasons.
Pionk was once thought of as a potential top-pair guy — and has recorded five-straight 30-plus point seasons — but has never replicated the quality of play he provided in his first two seasons in Winnipeg after coming over from the New York Rangers in the trade that sent Jacob Trouba the other way. 30-something points per season is not nearly enough to paper over declining possession metrics and sometimes-egregious gaffes.
Jets enthusiasts were wondering if Pionk would be the next Winnipeg Jet to fall victim to a buyout. GM Cheveldayoff didn't hesitate to pull the trigger on buying out Nate Schmidt this offseason, and Pionk could have very well suffered the same fate, but currently remains on the books.
With Pionk entering the final year of his contract, all eyes will be on the veteran Jets defender. With top prospects like Ville Heinola entering the mix, Pionk is in serious jeopardy of losing his spot on the Jets starting roster.
source: The Hockey Writers
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| POLL | ||
23 JUILLET | 137 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets defenceman currently under fire Should Cheveldayoff have bought out Pionk? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 52.6 % |
| No | 65 | 47.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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