Jets Re-Sign Zach Bogosian

Winnipeg Jets Re-Sign Zach Bogosian To A 2-Year Deal
Winnipeg Free Press

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenceman Zach Bogosian to new two-year contract. The deal is reportedly for two years, paying the 21-year-old from Massena, N.Y. $2 million for the coming season and $3 million for 2012-13. That will make for a cap hit of $2.5 million for each year. Bogosian, who was a restricted free agent after his three-year entry-level contract expired on June 30, is the last regular player the Jets had to get under contract before training camp opens Saturday. "Both sides understood that camp was coming up pretty quick here," said Bogosian, who came to Winnipeg last Sunday to work out with his teammates, a show of optimism that proved to be well-founded. "It’s been ongoing through the whole summer. It’s been a long summer for both sides. When I got here, they knew I was coming and I was excited to come and as far as that went, it was good to be back with the guys but every time you’re in negotiations, obviously, both sides have to weigh in on what’s right and wrong. "I’m just glad it got done." Bogosian appeared in 71 games for the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010-11, collecting 17 points (5g, 12a) and 29 penalty minutes. He has 59 points (24g, 35a) and 137 penalty minutes in 199 career NHL games over his three NHL seasons. Bogosian was originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the first round, third overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

PattyB Thoughts:
Many people seem to have soured on Zach Bogosian in the past few years, but not me. This kid still has a lot of potential and I was holding out hope that the Islanders might be able to swing a deal to acquire him. Putting my own personal hopes aside, this is great news for the Winnipeg Jets, who still need to develop a bit of an identity. There have been whispers going around for months now, that Bogosian either did not want to play for Winnipeg or his demands were too high for the Jets' liking. Because of those misconceptions, Bogosian trade rumors were running rampant. Getting him finally signed proves to the Jets fan base that this new team will not be afraid to spend some money to retain their young talent. That in itself is important, but for the team's on-ice success its good that they were able to retain a defenseman who in my personal opinion will turn out to be a top defenseman in the NHL. He may have been a little rushed in his development, but when he is on his game, he is excellent at both ends. As a defenseman, the developmental curve is a tad bit longer than forwards which means you shouldn't expect Bogosian to reach his peak for a while. That also means fans need to show him some patience, he has the potential to be great, but people need to give him time.

CONTRACT TERMS:

LENGTH: 2 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $5,000,000     TYPE: STANDARD     EXPIRY STATUS: RFA
SEASON	AHL SALARY	NHL SALARY	P. BONUSES	S. BONUS	CAP HIT
2011-12	$2,000,000	$2,000,000	$0	—	$2,500,000
2012-13	$3,000,000	$3,000,000	$0	—	$2,500,000

CAREER STATISTICS:

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM		Postseason	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
2005-2006	Cushing Academy	USHS	36	1	16	17	-	|
2006-2007	Peterborough Petes	OHL	67	7	26	33	63	|
2007-2008	Peterborough Petes	OHL	60	11	50	61	72	|
2008-2009	Atlanta Thrashers	NHL	47	9	10	19	47	|
	Chicago Wolves	AHL	5	1	0	1	0	|
	USA	WC	9	0	1	1	2	|
2009-2010	Atlanta Thrashers	NHL	81	10	13	23	61	|
2010-2011	Atlanta Thrashers	NHL	71	5	12	17	29	|
2011-2012	Winnipeg Jets	NHL	-	-	-	-	-	|