From Manitoba’s CJOB68: 

The Winnipeg Jets, in conjunction with St. John’s IceCaps, are pleased to announce today they have agreed to terms with Jason, King, Jason DeSantis and Jake Marto on new American Hockey League contracts. As per club policy, terms of the agreements are not disclosed.

With DeSantis and Marto, the IceCaps are looking to gather some depth for the blueline. Marto is a 6’0″ defenceman who has played the past four seasons with the University of North Dakota, compiling 62 points in 157 games played. The 25 year old will likely move on from the WCHA to help fill out the IceCaps blueline come October.

DeSantis with the Phantoms

DeSantis, another 25 year old, has recently spent most of his time in the AHL or ECHL since leaving Ohio State University in 2008. The 5’11″ defenceman seems capable of adding 20-30 points from the blueline, his best pro outing being in 2008-09 when he nabbed 17 points in only 56 games for the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms.

This is obviously a huge opportunity for both players, especially given their age. A good performance with the IceCaps this upcoming season could make or break both of these guys becoming mainstays in the professional hockey scene. Both will look to find some stability in their game - let’s hope they can find it here in St. John’s.

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The Jason King signing that was reported a couple days back has since become official.

 King told CBC News:

“I’m excited to get my game back to where I know it can be and it should be, and wherever that leads, I’m excited to see”

Email ryanfancey@gmail.com and follow on twitter @SJ_IceCaps