The Winnipeg Jets have locked up a key piece of their defensive core, re-signing defenseman Dylan Samberg to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million. The deal, worth a total of $17.25 million, was announced on July 30, 2025, just days before Samberg's scheduled arbitration hearing. This new contract ensures that Samberg will remain with the Jets through the 2027-28 season.
The agreement averts a potential arbitration battle between Samberg and the Jets, with reports indicating a significant gap in their initial filings. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Samberg was seeking $6 million annually, while the Jets countered with an offer of $2.5 million. However, both sides found common ground through negotiations, resulting in a deal that reflects Samberg's growing importance to the team.
Samberg, 26, has developed into a reliable and effective defenseman since being drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Last season, he established career highs in several categories, including goals (6), points (20), and plus/minus (+34), despite missing 22 games due to a broken foot. He also logged significant ice time, averaging over 21 minutes per game, and played a crucial role on the penalty kill.
His contributions were evident in the Jets' overall performance, as the team had a record of 45-13-2 with him in the lineup, compared to 11-9-2 without him. This highlights his importance to the team's success and solidifies his position as a top-four defenseman, often playing alongside Josh Morrissey.
Samberg's improved play earned him a more prominent role on the team's second pairing under first-year head coach Scott Arniel. He demonstrated his toughness and shot-blocking ability, recording a career-high 120 blocked shots. His commitment to defense, however, came at a cost, as he suffered a broken foot while blocking a shot.
The new contract signifies the Jets' confidence in Samberg's continued development and his importance to their long-term plans. By securing him through the 2027-28 season, the team gains cost certainty and maintains stability on their blue line. This is particularly important as the Jets aim to build upon their Presidents' Trophy-winning 2024-25 regular season and compete for their first Stanley Cup.
This extension marks a significant raise for Samberg, who was previously playing under a two-year bridge deal with a $1.4 million AAV signed in 2023. With Samberg's contract finalized, the Jets still have approximately $4.8 million in cap space remaining, which could be used to bolster their roster further through free agency or trades.
