Neal Pionk

Neal Robert Pionk (born July 29, 1995) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Undrafted, Pionk was signed by the New York Rangers as a college free-agent from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2017.

Playing career
Undrafted, Pionk first played at the junior level with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League, before committing to a collegiate career with the University of Minnesota Duluth of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. While playing with the Musketeers, Pionk was named to the First All-Star Team and named Defenseman of the Year.

On May 1, 2017, Pionk signed a two-year, $3.55 million contract with the New York Rangers. Pionk made his NHL debut on February 9, 2018, in a 4–3 win over the Calgary Flames. He recorded his first NHL goal on March 24, against the Buffalo Sabres. Pionk split the season between the Rangers and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Pionk joined the Rangers full-time during the 2018–19 season. He recorded six goals and 26 points in 73 games, leading all Rangers' defencemen with 13 power play points.

On June 17, 2019, Pionk and a 2019 first-round pick were traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Jacob Trouba. The first-round pick originally belonged to the Jets. On July 21, the Jets signed Pionk to a two-year, $6 million contract extension.

International play
Pionk, along with teammate Chris Kreider, were the only Rangers players selected to represent the United States at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.