Why the Winnipeg Jets should re-sign UFA’s Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo
By Evan Waldner
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As we all know three nights ago the Winnipeg Jets season came to a conclusion as they fell 6-3 to the Colorado Avalanche which closed out the series in only 5 games. And now as we move ahead entering the NHL offseason, there are some big questions about the Jets expiring contracts and who is interested in resigning or wanting leave. If you take a look at the defensemen whose contracts are going to be up for renewal, there are some big names on that list that the Jets should absolutely consider resigning.
BRENDEN DILLON
Yes I mean 33 year old Brenden Dillon who some might say his career is coming to an end very soon. Now yes, he is 33. But Dillon has always been that tough and strong defenceman on the Jets blue line, not afraid to get his hands dirty. And from what I have seen, this past season was his best season as a Jet so far.
Dillon at times also generated some good offence when you least expected it. He had 8 goals this regular season which was a career high, and he had 12 assists for a total of 20 points.
Earlier today the Jets held their end of season media availability where it was reported that Dillon was ”frustrated” that he has not been offered a contract extension.
Now this is when Cheveldayoff needs to offer him that contract. Dillon likes it here, he likes this city, and it has been pretty rare to have players wanting to stay with the organization for extended periods of time. So I say we get this deal done before Dillon becomes a UFA July 1st, signing him either 1 or 2 years at $4M AAV.
DYLAN DEMELO
Maybe the most underrated Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo is certainly that guy to extend. The past 4 years, Dylan DeMelo has been Josh Morrissey’s main man, his D-partner. And without a doubt these two have been the best defensive pairing on the team for the past couple years. DeMelo is that right hand shot for Morrissey who is a left hand shot which is one of the many reasons why they work so well together.
The cost for DeMelo won’t be that expensive either, his latest signed contract which was a 4 year $12 million dollar contract back in 2020. But now if you are looking to resign him it will likely be around $13-$16M which is not a huge increase in price especially for such a solid defenceman.
Today at the end of season media availability DeMelo represented his frustrations with this seasons playoffs but he had all good things to say about the team.
”I know for sure that I’m definitely comfortable here, I’ve played my best hockey here. I really think my best hockey is still ahead of me. I’ve really loved my time here.”
It’s great to see players liking it here, and if you have players liking it in Winnipeg. Then you will have players wanting to play for the Winnipeg Jets. In this case, DeMelo is one of those players.
Now I know there are lots of other expiring contracts like Sean Monahan, Tyler Toffoli and even youngster Cole Perfetti whose ELC is coming to an end. But I’m more concerned about the defence of this club and the future of the defence. So I think Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo are 2 key pieces on the Jets blue Line that should get signed sooner than later!
BRENDEN DILLON
Yes I mean 33 year old Brenden Dillon who some might say his career is coming to an end very soon. Now yes, he is 33. But Dillon has always been that tough and strong defenceman on the Jets blue line, not afraid to get his hands dirty. And from what I have seen, this past season was his best season as a Jet so far.
Dillon at times also generated some good offence when you least expected it. He had 8 goals this regular season which was a career high, and he had 12 assists for a total of 20 points.
Earlier today the Jets held their end of season media availability where it was reported that Dillon was ”frustrated” that he has not been offered a contract extension.
Now this is when Cheveldayoff needs to offer him that contract. Dillon likes it here, he likes this city, and it has been pretty rare to have players wanting to stay with the organization for extended periods of time. So I say we get this deal done before Dillon becomes a UFA July 1st, signing him either 1 or 2 years at $4M AAV.
DYLAN DEMELO
Maybe the most underrated Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo is certainly that guy to extend. The past 4 years, Dylan DeMelo has been Josh Morrissey’s main man, his D-partner. And without a doubt these two have been the best defensive pairing on the team for the past couple years. DeMelo is that right hand shot for Morrissey who is a left hand shot which is one of the many reasons why they work so well together.
The cost for DeMelo won’t be that expensive either, his latest signed contract which was a 4 year $12 million dollar contract back in 2020. But now if you are looking to resign him it will likely be around $13-$16M which is not a huge increase in price especially for such a solid defenceman.
Today at the end of season media availability DeMelo represented his frustrations with this seasons playoffs but he had all good things to say about the team.
”I know for sure that I’m definitely comfortable here, I’ve played my best hockey here. I really think my best hockey is still ahead of me. I’ve really loved my time here.”
It’s great to see players liking it here, and if you have players liking it in Winnipeg. Then you will have players wanting to play for the Winnipeg Jets. In this case, DeMelo is one of those players.
Now I know there are lots of other expiring contracts like Sean Monahan, Tyler Toffoli and even youngster Cole Perfetti whose ELC is coming to an end. But I’m more concerned about the defence of this club and the future of the defence. So I think Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo are 2 key pieces on the Jets blue Line that should get signed sooner than later!
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