Yesterday, Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald announced that defenseman Tucker Poolman would be returning to the UND Fighting Hawks for his junior season. The Winnipeg Jets draft pick has developed exceptionally well for UND becoming a two way player that can do everything from kill penalties to fire a wicked slapshot from the point. Poolman has even played forward when called upon for UND. During UND’s run to the Frozen Four in Boston Poolman would routinely hound the best team’s players as a forward while killing penalties. Poolman has a strong hockey sense and knows where he needs to be.

Since Poolman will be four years removed from his draft year he could chose to become a free agent next year in August. I think that Jets fans should not worry. I feel as though Poolman is coming back to play with his brother, Colton, for one year. After that I fully expect him to sign with the Jets and not test free agency. Poolman has to be aware of the contract situations of  the Jets’ defensemen. Paul Postma will be a UFA and the Jets will have three RFA’s headlined by Jacob Trouba that will get raises or be released. Having the entry level deal replace Postma’s will end up saving the Jets money if Poolman plays for the AHL side in 2017. Poolman will have a chance to start out a Jet next season, if not he will see a lot of time with the Moose in 2017.

Note:All  contract info is from the general fanager website