Winnipeg Jets: Jim Slater's New Contract Is Worth Every Penny

According to a number of sources including NHL.com, the Winnipeg Jets have re-signed fourth-line center Jim Slater to a three-year deal worth $4.8 million, a cap hit of $1.6 million per year.

Slater is currently the longest tenured Jet, as he was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Thrashers back in 2002. The 29-year-old center is one of the more gifted fourth-liners in the league. He's played all seven of his NHL seasons with the Winnipeg franchise and set new career-highs in goals (13) and points (21) this past season.

Slater makes up one-third of the fan-favorite "GST" line.

Analysis

Slater is a wealthy man for a fourth-line center. He received a well-deserved raise as he is one of the most hardworking players in the league. The Jets paid a pretty penny to keep Slater, but it's worth it for a player with Slater's abilities. He's spent his whole career with this franchise, and it'll be three more years of hard work, grit, energy, effort and heart that we will see out of Slater.

One down, one to go? With Slater out of the way, the Jets will turn their attention to another UFA.

With one-third of the fourth line returning next season, the Jets seem to be in talks with bringing back one of the other two members of the GST line, Tanner Glass.

The Jets have an established fourth line that played well all season long. It seems GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants that to continue next season and possibly beyond. Fans should expect to see the hardworking GST line back for at least one more season.

Hard work is the key to success.