The Winnipeg Jets announced on Thursday, September 21st, that they’ve agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with their 2023 18th overall draft selection Colby Barlow. Barlow’s three-year entry-level contract carries an average annual value of $1.2 million per season. Barlow’s salary will be made up of $855,000 in base salary and $95,000 in signing bonuses.
Related: Colby Barlow Selected 18th Overall by the Winnipeg Jets
The 18-year-old Barlow posted 46 goals and 39 assists for 79 points in 59 games with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. Barlow also gathered multiple other awards throughout his 2022-23 season. He was selected to the OHL’s First All-Star Team and was awarded the OHL and CHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. In international competition, Barlow helped Team Canada win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and Bronze and the U18 World Championship. Barlow made his Winnipeg Jets debut during the 2023 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, B.C. He scored once through three games for the Jets.
Barlow Looks to Make An Impact Immediately
The Jets took a massive swing during the 2023 NHL Entry Draft when they called Colby Barlow’s name. The team has incredible depth in their forward core, which means Barlow will certainly be battling for a spot in the lineup. Head Coach Rick Bowness certainly has some tough decisions to make when it comes to the lineup, but Colby Barlow will most likely find himself in a top-line role with the Manitoba Moose.
The ceiling for each player is high, and hoping the Jets don’t suffer another injury-plagued season; there will be a constant need to fight for a roster spot. Currently, in the Jets training camp, Barlow is on a line with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Barlow is quite clearly impressing many people throughout training camp, and if this translates to the regular season, the Jets might have to make some tough decisions.
