Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (undisclosed) was absent from Thursday's practice, but he is expected to play against the Stars on Friday. Pionk has totaled two goals and 24 points through 49 games, ranking second among points from Jets defensemen. Pionk should be rostered across standard formats as he will contribute across the board down the stretch of the season.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk has received a two-game suspension for kneeing Toronto's Rasmus Sandin in Sunday's 6-3 win. This is the first career suspension for the 26-year-old, and he'll miss Tuesday's matchup against Carolina and Thursday's meeting with Seattle. Pionk is eligible to return to the lineup on Friday versus Vancouver. He drops out of the lineup after posting back-to-back multi-point games. The Omaha, Nebraska native plays a very important role on the power play for Winnipeg and skates on the second defensive pairing. He's tallied six power-play points this season and boasts 16 points in total in 24 appearances.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk found his way into the box score Monday night with an assist during the Jets 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pionk had 10 points in his first 12 games but had gone five straight contests without a point. That changed when he connected with Dominic Toninato on a goal. This gave Winnipeg a 1-0 lead they would later relinquish. Pionk also had two shots, three blocked shots and two hits while playing just over 21 minutes on Monday. Pionk could again come close to his 2019-20 campaign when he tallied 45 points in 71 games.
The Winnipeg Jets made sure their most offensively-talented blueliner stayed in Manitoba on Wednesday, signing defenseman Neal Pionk to a four-year, $23.5 million contract ($5.875 million average annual value). Following a trade from the New York Rangers (in exchange for defenseman Jacob Trouba) two summers ago, Pionk has blossomed into one of the Jets' most-valued rearguards and a fantasy darling alike. In 125 games over the past two seasons, the 26-year-old has tallied 77 points (nine goals, 68 assists) to go along with a plus-16 rating, 277 shots, 152 blocks and 302 hits. Given his excellent cross-category production, Pionk should be treated as a borderline top-10 fantasy defenseman in upcoming drafts.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk will draw back into the lineup versus Vancouver on Tuesday. Pionk missed the last two Jets contests for undisclosed reasons. He will play in replacement of Ville Heinola. The Omaha Nebraska native will likely be inserted back on the Jet's second defenseman pairing skating alongside Derek Forbort. Winnipeg and fantasy managers will benefit from having Pionk back as he has added 31 points in 52 contests in 2021.
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (undisclosed) won't play on Saturday against Ottawa and is listed day-to-day. His injury is described as a very minor problem, so there seems to be a strong chance that he returns for Monday's meeting with Vancouver. Pionk had played in every single game so far this season for the Jets, and he's been the team's most prolific blueliner with 31 points in 52 outings. The 25-year-old has also been a big force on the defensive end with 133 hits. His spot will go to Jordie Benn on Saturday. The veteran will make only his fifth appearance for the team since arriving from Vancouver last month.
