Jets agree to long term extension with defenseman DeMelo

*Photo from Illegal Curve Hockey*

   One of their most important rearguards is back. The Winnipeg Jets and D Dylan DeMelo have agreed to a 4 year, $19.6 million contract, according to an announcement by the Jets.

   Less than a week away from being able to hit the open market as a free agent, DeMelo instead agrees to a new contract to stay in Winnipeg. The deal pays the right shot defenseman $4.9 million annually and doesn't have any trade protection or signing bonuses. He'll be a free agent after 2027-2028.

   DeMelo said of re-signing in Winnipeg that "It’s huge to get it done. Definitely feels good. Just so happy to stay with Winnipeg, the fit has been fantastic. It feels like my best years have been in Winnipeg and it really feels like my best years are still ahead of me. To be able to get it done with this organization and to be back with this group of guys, I’m so thrilled and I can’t get wait to get started."

   Last season marked DeMelo's 4th full season in Winnipeg, the last year of his previous 4 year deal. He accumulated 3 goals and 28 assists for 31 points, averaging 21:44 of ice time per game with a +46 rating in 82 games. He added one assist in 5 playoff games.

   Acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators during the 2019-2020 campaign, DeMelo has had a few good seasons in a row offensively with the Jets and plays top 4 minutes. His +46 rating last season was second best in the league among defensemen and his 21:44 of ice time per game is a career high.

   DeMelo has played for the Jets, Senators, and San Jose Sharks in his 9 seasons in the league, debuting in 2015-2016. He has 17 goals and 127 assists for 144 points to his name, posting a +80 rating while averaging 18:16 of ice time per game over 554 games. In the playoffs, he has 4 assists and a +5 rating in 29 games over 5 seasons.

   With the Jets having re-signed DeMelo, they have approximately $8.7 million in remaining cap space ahead of free agency opening on Monday. Tyler Toffoli, Sean Monahan, and Brenden Dillion are the team's notable pending free agents.