Jets 2021-22 Season Player Profile: Neal Pionk

Defenceman Neal Pionk has become a staple on the Winnipeg Jets blueline over the past few seasons since being acquired in the deal that sent Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers. Pionk has since thrived in this market, primarily battling for top-four minutes with the likes of another prominent Jets defender Josh Morrissey. In 2019-20, Pionk’s inaugural season, he registered 45 points (six goals, 39 assists) in 71 games. He quickly proved to be a match made in heaven for the Jets. He followed up that season by registering 32 points (three goals, 29 assists) in 54 games, and had it not been a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pionk likely would have surpassed his career-high totals. In just his third full NHL season, he proved to be a reliable performer once again – one the team could rely on consistently. This season, the Jets had a different mindset when it came to their defensive core. The additions of Nate Schmidt and Brenden Dillon were met with high expectations as general manager Kevin Chev