Undrafted from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Defenseman, Neal Pionk signed with the New York Rangers, and made the team late in the 2017/18 season.  After a full season on Broadway, Pionk was dealt to the Jets, where he found a greater role.

Pionk found a role on the power play and the second defensive pairing while securing 45 Points in his first Winnipeg campaign.  The native of Omaha, Nebraska, has not broken 40 Points since, but the smooth skater is beginning his fourth year with the Jets and is young enough to add to his ample skills.