The Winnipeg Jets bought out the defenceman's contract for the final season. Nate SchmidtAccording to Daily Faceoff reporter Frank Seravalli (Twitter link), Schmidt would first have to clear unconditional waivers before the buyout could kick in. If passed, Schmidt's contract would count against Winnipeg's cap hit of $2.717 million next season, saving them $3.233 million and clearing $1.617 million for the 2025-26 season.
The move makes Schmidt a free agent a year earlier than expected and frees Winnipeg from the $5.95 million cap hit he's owed since the 2019-20 season. Schmidt's six-year, $35.7 million contract was originally inked with the Vegas Golden Knights, who traded him to the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason prior to the 2020-21 season. After a shortened year with the Canucks, Schmidt was traded to the Jets in exchange for a 2022 draft pick. Jordan Gustafson.
Schmidt began his tenure in Winnipeg with a strong year, scoring 32 points in 20 minutes per game and showcasing the solid defense he's become known for. However, his impact faded in subsequent seasons, with Schmidt scoring just 19 points last year and 14 points this season. He dropped from a top-pair role to a bottom-pair role along with his lower scoring, but he still posted the best xGA/60 (2.03) of any Jets defenseman, according to Evolving Hockey.
Schmidt's decline over the past two seasons will make his high price tag difficult to bear, especially for a Jets team in the midst of a cap crisis, but Schmidt's veteran presence and solid defense would make him an excellent replacement. Chris Tanevis expected to be off the market following his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Schmidt is prepared to take a significant pay cut, but at 32 years old, he may still be able to find a way to work on a conditional deal.
