Coleman native Rick Rypien will return to NHL action this fall with the recently reassembled Winnipeg Jets franchise.
The Jets announced on Saturday, July 2nd that they had signed the 27-year-old forward to a one-year $700,000 contract.
“I’m very excited,” Rypien said in an interview with the Pass Herald last week. “It’s good to be back in the NHL.”
The Jets, formerly the Atlanta Thrashers, were purchased earlier this year by True North Sports and Entertainment and relocated to Winnipeg, and shortly thereafter, adopted the name of Winnipeg’s original team.
The team will continue as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference this season, before the entire league realigns for the 2012-13 season.
Rypien said he is glad that he will remain playing for a Canadian team.
“When the NHL switched to free agency last Friday (July 1st), I woke up Saturday not knowing what was going to happen,” he said. “I thought I would end up playing for an American team.”
He said he was presented with four or five options, and after talking it over with his girlfriend and family, decided Winnipeg was the best option.
“I’m at the point now where I want to do what’s best for me,” said Rypien. “I’ve grounded myself with the right people and everything is going good.”