Jets Rumors: Massive Update On Dylan Samberg's Future In Winnipeg
After a breakout 2024-25 season, the 26-year-old blue-liner is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, and the Jets are reportedly working toward a long-term contract to solidify their top-four defense group.
Samberg’s steady rise reached a new level during this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he’s been leaned on heavily in a shutdown role alongside Neal Pionk. “He can be a horse for us when he plays like that,” said head coach Scott Arniel, praising Samberg’s ability to disrupt zone entries and play tough minutes against elite forwards like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. In fact, no Jets defenseman has logged more five-on-five ice time through the first round.
Samberg Proves He’s More Than a Stay-at-Home Defender
While Samberg’s game has always been rooted in stout defensive play—he led the team in blocked shots despite missing 22 games with a broken foot—his offensive confidence has grown as well.
His 17 points in 47 games mark a career high, and he’s been a catalyst in transition, helping tilt the ice in Winnipeg’s favor. As teammate Dylan DeMelo put it, “He’s done a great job and he’s got so much more room to grow too. He’s not a finished product by any means.”
Dylan Samberg is just an incredible hockey player
— Jesse Pollock (@jpolly22) May 1, 2025
Samberg’s pairing with Pionk has blossomed into a formidable second unit behind Josh Morrissey, giving the Jets a rare one-two punch on the left side. It’s not surprising that General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is hoping to lock up Samberg much like he did Pionk, who recently signed a six-year extension at $7.5 million annually. Both players share an agent, hometown roots in Hermantown, Minnesota, and a bond that’s translated into elite chemistry on the ice.
Arbitration Looms, But Both Sides Want a Deal
Samberg is arbitration-eligible, which could complicate negotiations if the sides can’t agree before a hearing. But there’s little doubt that the Jets view him as a long-term core piece. His wife has started a dental practice in Winnipeg, and Samberg himself has embraced the city and the team culture. “You watch Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, they always work on those 3-to-5-foot putts,” Samberg said of his own work ethic. “It can be the same thing in hockey… I try to have that same work ethic.”
Dylan Samberg Game 2 pic.twitter.com/LLwxtv53EE
— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) April 22, 2025
With Samberg’s emergence, the Jets have found more than just a reliable top-four defenseman—they’ve found a future cornerstone. Expect Cheveldayoff and company to do everything they can to keep him in Winnipeg for years to come.
Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
