Jets sign top defensive prospect to three-year, entry-level deal

The Jets have signed one of their draft picks from last year, announcing that they’ve inked defenseman Alfons Freij to a three-year, entry-level deal.  The agreement will carry an AAV of $975K at the NHL level.

The 19-year-old was the fifth selection in the second round last June, going 37th overall following a strong season in Sweden’s junior system.  Freij predominantly played at the Under-20 level with Vaxjo and fared well offensively, notching 14 goals and 19 assists in 40 games.  He also played in five playoff games with Vaxjo’s Under-20 and Under-18 levels.

This season, Freij moved up a level, going to Sweden’s second-tier professional league, the Allsvenskan, where he played with IF Bjorkloven.  In 29 games with them, he had two goals and six assists while adding five points in five games with Bjorkloven’s Under-20 team as well.

Back in April, Freij signed a two-year deal with SHL Timra, positioning himself to be tested at a higher level once again next season.  This contract shouldn’t change that, as it’s quite likely that he will be loaned back overseas for 2025-26.  Assuming that happens, Freij’s contract is eligible to slide and, in that case, he’d still have three years left on his deal at this time next year.