The Winnipeg Jets have secured a key piece on their blue line by finalizing a three-year contract extension in the midst of an offseason where the organization is clearly focused on adding depth to head coach Scott Arniel’s roster.
Arniel took over in May 2024, and in his first year at the helm, he managed to keep the Jets among the most competitive teams in the Western Conference, with a solid defensive structure where key pieces are now beginning to solidify.
The Jets’ new head coach earned the respect of the locker room for his leadership and balanced approach. His ability to stay the course during high-pressure situations was highly valued by the front office, which is now committed to strengthening the team’s core in hopes of remaining a contender in the league.
The player who extended his deal with the Jets
The Jets defenseman who signed an extension with Winnipeg is none other than Dylan Samberg, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $5.75 million in average annual value (AAV), further solidifying a central part of the young core the franchise has built over recent seasons.
The 26-year-old blueliner has shown steady growth since making his NHL debut in 2022 after being selected in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He had his best professional season in 2024–25, recording 20 points in 60 games, along with a +34 rating and averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game.
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Jets avoid salary arbitration
Both sides had previously filed salary arbitration numbers: the Jets proposed a $2.5 million AAV, while Samberg’s camp asked for $6 million, a significant $3.5 million gap that reflected some tension in the negotiation. Ultimately, both parties were able to reach an agreement.
