The Winnipeg Jets have announced a four-year contract extension for defenseman Dylan DeMelo, worth an average annual value of $4.9 million, thereby avoiding free agency. DeMelo, 31, has played with the Jets for the past five seasons, becoming a crucial part of their top defensive pair alongside Josh Morrissey.
In the 2023-24 season, DeMelo set personal records with 28 assists and 31 points, and his +46 plus/minus rating was the best on the Jets and second in the league. Despite some challenges late in the season and during the playoffs, DeMelo’s performance history and his role with Morrissey suggest he will remain a key player for the Jets throughout this contract.
DeMelo’s partnership with Morrissey has been particularly beneficial, as his strong defensive skills and puck-handling abilities have allowed Morrissey to excel as one of the NHL’s top defensemen. The Jets are confident that this effective pairing will continue for the next few years, facing top competition together.
As DeMelo approaches his mid-30s by the end of this contract, it is expected that he might transition to a middle or bottom-pairing role to accommodate younger players or new additions to the team. Nevertheless, this contract is seen as favorable compared to what he might have commanded on the open market, especially with a rising salary cap. The Jets have thus secured one of their key defensive players at a potentially advantageous rate.
With this signing, the Jets have addressed a significant part of their offseason plans just before the start of free agency. While many questions remain about the team’s future lineup, extending DeMelo helps stabilize their defense and maintain continuity within their core group. This move is the first major step in the Jets’ offseason strategy, providing some clarity as they approach the upcoming season.
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