Sep 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Kieron Walton (76) looks to make a pass in front of Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin (92) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

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Winnipeg Jets Sign Kieron Walton to Entry-Level Contract

The Jets have secured young talent, signing Kieron Walton to an entry-level deal as they continue building for the future.

The Winnipeg Jets have secured a promising young talent by signing Kieron Walton to an entry-level contract. The 19-year-old forward, who had a stellar season with the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), has agreed to a three-year deal with an annual cap hit of $858,333. His contract, which kicks in next season, includes a base salary of $775,000 along with signing bonuses and minor league salaries that increase over the final two years.

Walton made a name for himself in the 2023-24 OHL season, emerging as one of the league’s top scorers. The 6’6”, 212-pound center led the Wolves with an impressive 92 points (38 goals, 54 assists) in 66 games, more than doubling his offensive output from the previous season. Despite his team being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Walton continued to showcase his playmaking abilities, contributing five points in four postseason games.

Jets’ Prospect Kieron Walton Signs Entry-Level Contract https://t.co/yw6p7aLZgr #NHL #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) April 7, 2025

Originally selected in the sixth round (No. 187 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Walton has quickly risen through the ranks, exceeding expectations for a late-round pick. He finished ninth in OHL scoring this season, outperforming some higher-ranked prospects from his draft class. His rapid development has drawn attention within the Jets organization, with The Athletic ranking him as Winnipeg’s fourth-best prospect, placing him ahead of former first-round picks Chaz Lucius and Colby Barlow.

With questions surrounding the long-term impact of some of Winnipeg’s top draft choices, Walton’s emergence is a welcome sign for the franchise. The Jets are in the midst of a competitive window, and securing young talent is crucial for sustained success. If Walton continues on his upward trajectory, he could become a key part of Winnipeg’s future lineup. While he will remain ineligible for full-time AHL play next season, there is a strong possibility he will join the Manitoba Moose for the final stretch of the 2024-25 campaign.

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One notable aspect of Walton’s contract is its slide eligibility. If he plays fewer than 10 NHL games next season, his deal will shift forward to start in 2026-27 instead of 2025-26. In that scenario, the contract would run through 2028-29, reducing his cap hit slightly to $831,667 while ensuring he remains under team control as a restricted free agent well into the next decade.

For the Jets, this signing represents a low-risk, high-reward investment in a player whose potential continues to rise. If Walton maintains his momentum, Winnipeg could have a future impact player on their hands, one who has already proven he can exceed expectations.

Image Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Kieron Walton

NHL

Winnipeg Jets

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!