The Winnipeg Jets and forward Cole Perfetti have avoided an arbitration hearing by signing a new five-year contract.The deal, finalized just days before the scheduled arbitration, sees Perfetti receive a significant salary increase, averaging $6 million per season.The 24-year-old player, who previously earned $3.25 million over two seasons, will now see his earnings nearly double.

Perfetti's performance last season included 12 goals and 20 assists in 68 games, slightly down from his previous totals of 19 goals and 18 assists.The arbitration process was initially set for Monday, but the new contract prevents it.Perfetti will become an unrestricted free agent after the deal, though the Jets still have restricted free agent Tyrel Bauer on their roster.

The signing highlights the team's efforts to retain key players and avoid potential disputes, showcasing a strategic move to secure Perfetti's future with the franchise.