Jets, Frolik talked about 5-year contract; settled on 1-year, $3.3-million deal

The Winnipeg Jets and forward Michael Frolik agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.3-million contract Tuesday, avoiding an arbitration hearing scheduled for Thursday in Toronto.

Both sides, however, remain interested in securing a long-term deal for the 26-year-old, as per Frolik's agent Allan Walsh:

We talked about a lot of different concepts and spent a lot of time together, [Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and I. We talked about a two-year deal, a three-year deal, a four-year deal and a five-year deal. We spent most of our time talking about a one-year deal and a five-year deal. That’s what the last week of our discussions focused on. All of our discussions were professional and never were there any harsh words or animosity in any way.

Walsh reiterated to the Winnipeg Free Press that his client definitely has a desire to remain with the club, but ongoing negotiations must be tabled for now:

I want to make it very clear, Michael loves Winnipeg. He loves playing in Winnipeg. Michael told Winnipeg that he would love to sign long term and be part of what is getting built in Winnipeg. Clearly, it’s been mutually expressed that there is a strong desire to get something done. We expect to begin talking again and get something done well before the end of the season. That’s our hope and our intention. 

We can talk but we can’t sign a new deal until January. Our sole focus is to get something done long-term in Winnipeg. The goal is to get a long-term deal. Michael’s role this year should increase and he has the opportunity to solidify himself as part of the core.