Finally the Winnipeg Jets and 2017 first round draft pick Kristian Vesalainen have come to terms on a 3 year entry-level deal. As training camp draws closer many wondered if the young Finn would be under contract and coming to camp and it appears he will be but with a wrinkle.
The base for his salary is just over $900k but with bonuses he could make up to 1.42 million in each of his first three seasons. That's if he stays.
As first rumored yesterday and then reported today by the Winnipeg Sun's Ken Wiebe, Vesalainen has clause in his contract that allows him to 'leave' and return to Europe to play without penalty. In this case it's if he is not a regular with the Jets.
That would mean he could choose to not be assigned to the Jets' farm team, the Manitoba Moose, and go back to Liiga in Finland. What triggers that option will be interesting should it happen but it works for both sides in that the team would not burn a year of his entry level deal if he leaves for Europe and he would make professional money there.
It's a curious situation given the way the Jets want to war their draft and develop model and Vesalainen would not be a part of an AHL Moose system designed to mimic and support what the Jets are doing in the NHL. Thus far these clubs have had a good synergy between them when having to move players up and down.
The good news is he's signed now it's time to see if he can make the team and what impact he has at training camp. It's worth considering that both Dano and Petan might be awfully hungry to get a spot even though their money is guaranteed. Competition is a good thing but so is learning how to deal with setbacks when you get beat. Hopefully Vesalainen is ready to compete and be a part of the Jets in whatever capacity he's asked.