The Winnipeg Jets and left-handed defenseman Dylan Samberg have agreed to a three-year, $17.25 million ($5.75 million AAV) contract, avoiding a scheduled arbitration hearing in doing so, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.
Samberg, 26, was originally selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2017 Draft. After two-and-change productive seasons on the blue line, he took a leap this past year and grew into a legitimate second-pair defenseman for Winnipeg.
He should slot alongside either Neal Pionk or Dylan Demelo for the foreseeable future. This move also provides the Jets with a nice one-two punch on the left side with Josh Morrissey patrolling the top pair.
Samberg is a smart, two-way skater who plays a solid defensive game and makes the right plays on offense and in transition. While he is not going to contribute too much offensively (7 goals, 38 points over the last two campaigns), he is the type of foundational, depth piece that keeps the Jets competitive.
Winnipeg’s exit in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was disappointing, especially after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in the regular season. However, head coach Scott Arniel still had an impressive debut, and the Jets should feel confident in their direction.
Losing Nikolaj Ehlers hurts, but 2024-25 Hart Trophy and three-time Vezina Trophy winner goaltender Connor Hellebuyck seemed to have exorcised his postseason demons against the St. Louis Blues in round one.
Samberg was not the biggest name on the market, nor is he the sole piece that gets Winnipeg over the top. But he is a reliable, sturdy player who poses problems for opposing forwards.
