The Winnipeg Jets Sign Ellerby to a One Year Contract

#NHLJets agree to terms with Keaton Ellerby on a one-year, two way contract worth $700k.

— Scott Brown (@BrownScottTN) July 24, 2014

It has been said that Ondrej Pavelec cannot be properly evaluated until the Jets fix the defence. The best way to do this was to move Dustin Byfuglien up front, hope Grant Clitsome's back holds up and return the rest of the defence as is. Keaton Ellerby did not have to return. He will most likely be the eighth option for the Jets and Ben Chiarot will most likely be the ninth. Probably. I think.

Anyways, Ellerby is a Jet for one more year with a salary of $700 000 and there is no cap penalty if he is sent down. This contract is a two way contract. That does not affect his waiver eligibility; he is still subject to waivers if sent down.  His minimum qualifying offer was $771,500, so the Jets save $71,500 on the NHL portion of the deal.

Is this deal safe enough that it won't affect roster improvements, or is this a signal that the status quo remains?   Let us know what you think.