Winnipeg is ‘closer’ to a contract extension for Adam Lowry

The Winnipeg Jets looks to be on the verge of securing a long-term contract extension for captain Adam Lowry.

The 32-year-old center made his season debut on Tuesday after missing the first four weeks recovering from offseason hip surgery, and TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that talks between the team and Lowry they progress quickly. Although the deal has not yet been finalized, Dreger described the negotiations as “getting closer.”

Lowry is in the final year of his current five-year, $16.25 million contract signed in 2021. During his NHL career, all with WinnipegLovri played 776 games, scored 121 goals and totaled 273 points.

Last season, he had 16 goals and 18 assists in 73 games, helping the Jets win the President’s Trophy after scoring 116 points in the regular season. In the rematch against the Los Angeles Kings, Lowry played 14:08 on the ice, although he did not record a point.

While not primarily an offensive force, Lovrij’s value lies in his defensive play, reliability in the faceoff and adaptability, capable of serving in a shutdown role or contributing in the top six when needed. Since taking over as captain ahead of the 2023–24 season, Lowry has held the reins, serving as the backbone of the team’s leadership and cohesion.

With Kyle Connor already signed to an eight-year, $96 million contract with the team, Winnipeg maintains significant salary cap flexibility. PuckPedia projects that the Jets will have about $27.5 million in cap space through the 2026-2027 season, enough to accommodate a new contract for Lowry and a long-term contract for restricted free agent Cole Perfetti, while preserving roster space. Lowry also has a no-trade clause with six teams, which could give him leverage in negotiating terms.

The signing of Lowry allows the Jets to bolster another core of their roster, joining veterans Mark Scheifele, Gabriel Vilardi, Neil Pionka, Connor Hellebuyck and Connor, each of whom are committed through at least 2030-31. After a decade-plus with the organization, Lowry’s extension would continue Winnipeg’s strategy of retaining core veterans and maintaining stability within the franchise.