The Winnipeg Jets and defenseman Dylan Samberg have successfully avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three-year, $17.25 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.75 million. The deal was finalized just before Samberg's arbitration hearing was scheduled to begin. This move ensures that Samberg, a key component of the Jets' defensive lineup, will remain with the team through the 2027-28 season.
Samberg, 26, was a restricted free agent (RFA) and was coming off a two-year bridge deal with a $1.4 million AAV he signed in 2023. He was eligible for only a one-year deal through arbitration, so the Jets were keen to avoid letting him become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer. The new contract provides Samberg with security and a significant raise from his previous cap hit.
In the 2024-25 season, Samberg recorded a career-high 20 points, with six goals and 14 assists, in 60 games. His plus-34 rating led the Jets and ranked seventh in the league. Samberg also contributed three assists in 13 playoff games. He averaged 21:08 of ice time per game and blocked a career-high 120 shots, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
Samberg's defensive contributions were particularly notable. The Jets outscored opponents 57-36 at five-on-five with Samberg on the ice, resulting in a 61.29% goal share, which ranked fifth among NHL defensemen who played over 600 minutes. Known for his steady defensive play and puck-moving abilities, Samberg has become one of the league's most underrated defenders. His ability to make smart passes out of the zone has made him a valuable asset to the Jets.
With Samberg's contract resolved, the Jets have successfully avoided arbitration with all their RFAs, including Morgan Barron and Gabriel Vilardi. According to the NHL Players' Association, all three players filed for arbitration on July 5. Barron signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract on July 14, and Vilardi agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract on July 18.
Currently, the Jets have approximately $4.8 million in cap space, which could be used to sign UFAs or acquire additional salary at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
