The Winnipeg Jets have agreed to terms on a contract with Dylan DeMelo as he is extended with the club. The terms have him agreeing to a four-year, $19.6 million deal. The deal gives DeMelo a $4.9 million AAV.
Dylan DeMelo signs a four-year extension with the #NHLJets carrying a $4.9M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 25, 2024
Dylan DeMelo Extended by the Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are solidifying their defensive core. Moreover, they look to re-tool after an early playoff exit in the first round of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
DeMelo had a career year this year. He recorded 28 assists for 31 points in 82 games, having the third most points on the team by a defenceman. This extension for DeMelo solidifies a top-four defensive slot for the Jets, especially considering his production this past season. Winnipeg will now have a top-four defensive core of DeMelo, Josh Morrissey, Dylan Samberg, and Neal Pionk, of course, subject to change as the offseason moves on.
How This Benefits the Jets
Considering the offseason Winnipeg had last year, where they traded Pierre-Luc Dubois in exchange for a lot of forward depth, which included Alex Iafallo, the Jets could be working on solidifying the defensive core in a similar way, especially considering the rumours surrounding Laurent Brossoit pursuing other options in free agency. bringing in more defensive depth and extending the solid defensive options they have currently looks to be the right path for the team.
Dylan DeMelo, signed 4x$4.9M by WPG, is a top four defensive defenceman. Very strong track record of scoring chance suppression combined with good puck management and sneaky passing ability. #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/eKn3OT6sK6
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 25, 2024
The Jets had a notably great offensive season. They scored 259 goals in the regular season. However, one aspect of the game that cost the Jets their first-round playoff matchup on the defensive side of the ice will be Connor Hellebuyck‘s underwhelming playoff performance. As mentioned earlier, part of this problem can be solved by upgrading the blue line. Furthermore, on the backend adding puck carriers to limit high-risk chances in their own zone.
However, as Dylan DeMelo is extended by the Jets, time will tell, and this could be the first move of many in the Jets’ 2024 offseason that looks to bring them another year of contention.
MAIN PHOTO: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
