The Winnipeg Jets have secured a crucial piece of their defensive core, signing veteran defenseman Dylan DeMelo to a four-year contract extension worth $19.6 million. The 31-year-old DeMelo, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, will now remain with the Jets through the 2026-27 season.
The new deal represents a remarkable raise for DeMelo, who will earn an average annual salary of $4.9 million, a substantial increase from his previous salary of $3 million.
This boost in pay is a testament to DeMelo’s outstanding performance during the 2023-24 season, where he played all 82 games and achieved career highs in assists (28) and points (31).
DeMelo’s impressive stats didn’t stop there. His plus-minus rating of plus-46 ranked second in the entire NHL, trailing only Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling’s plus-56. Additionally, DeMelo led the Jets in blocked shots (139) and shorthanded ice time (2:35 per game), solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled defenseman.
Throughout his NHL career, DeMelo has consistently demonstrated his value, recording 144 points (17 goals, 127 assists), 265 penalty minutes, and a plus-80 rating across 554 games with the San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets. Originally drafted by San Jose in 2011, DeMelo has evolved into a vital component of the Jets’ defensive unit, and his extension ensures that he will continue to play a key role in the team’s success for years to come.