Wheeler, Buff, and Little extended themselves as pending UFA's but were all under contract. i wouldn't count them but they def chose to stay in Winnipeg long term when they could have tested the market.
I'm sure they chose the organization and not the city, but, clearly the city isn't a huge barrier for Winnipeg to build and retain a team. I couldn't possibly care less that big name FA's won't want to sign in Winnipeg. Let New York and LA overpay for free agents.
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