The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Drew Stafford to a two-year contract worth $8.7 million.
Stafford, who was acquired by the Jets from the Buffalo Sabres in the Evander Kane trade last season, would have become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
Stafford scored nine goals and had 19 points in 26 games with the Jets, helping them to their first playoff appearance since moving from Atlanta in 2011.
"Drew was very impressed with the Jets organization in his brief time there ... he believes it is a team on the rise," agent Steve Bartlett said.