Jets sign 2023 first-round pick to entry-level contract

The Winnipeg Jets took care of some business Wednesday as they announced that they’ve signed 2023 first-round pick Colby Barlow to a three-year, entry-level deal. Barlow was drafted 18th overall back in June out of the OHL after he captained the Owen Sound Attack last season. The native of Orillia, Ontario had good numbers as a winger last season with the Attack registering 46 goals and 33 assists in 59 games. In two seasons in the OHL with the Attack, Barlow has 76 goals and 50 assists in 118 games.

On top of his short, but successful OHL career, Barlow has also seen a lot of success internationally. In 2022, Barlow helped the Canadians win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as well as a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Barlow’s ELC will pay him an NHL salary of $950K to go along with a signing bonus that will be paid out in three-year installments of $95K. He will carry an annual cap hit of $1.2MM at the NHL level, and should he play in the minors, he would receive a salary of $82,500.

It’s unlikely that Barlow will make the Jets out of training camp, but he’s done enough to earn his first NHL contract and can hang his hat on that should he be sent back to the OHL for more seasoning.