It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, we can’t help but think about the future when it comes to teams. The post-season consumes a lot of thoughts of general managers. However, team executives are always thinking about solidifying roster spots. We’ve already seen some contract extensions occur during the regular season and we’ll likely see more once the Stanley Cup is handed out. This edition of NHL rumours talks about the Winnipeg Jets trying to extend one of their key defencemen.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets May Try to Give Long-Term Deal to Defenceman
Rumour: Murat Ates of The Athletic talked about a possible long-term deal for young defender Dylan Samberg. The 26-year-old is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Analysis: Samberg has really come into his own this season and flourish with partner Neal Pionk, who just recently signed a long-term extension. Pionk netted a six-year extension that will get him $7 million per season. The duo have formed a great partnership and Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff knows that he’d like keep both blueliners in the fold.
Samberg is an RFA with arbitration rights and one year away from being an unrestricted free agent. Many think the Hermantown, Minn. native will be looking for a long-term deal in the summer. Pionk and Samberg both have Pete Rutili has their agent.
The pairing has been logging big minutes against the St Louis Blues top players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou. Winnipeg may have struggled the last two games, but the pairing has played well for a majority of the season. Cheveldayoff will probably want to reward Samberg with a long-term contract. There’s still work to be done to advance deep in the post-season, but the pairing will be key for any championship aspirations.
What It Means
The American defenceman has drawn comparisons to Carolina Hurricanes blueliner Jaccob Slavin and Jets management would love to hang onto a defender in that mold. Samberg said before the season that he was ready to take the next step. It seems that his predictions has come true.
He and Josh Morrissey would give the Jets a very good combination on the left side of defence for years to come. One thing the Jets have done well is remake their defensive group and Cheveldayoff would love to keep that group intact.
Ates said it would make sense for Samberg to file for arbitration. The likely scenario is that the two sides would seek a long-term deal after the filing but before the hearing.
One thing that could work into Winnipeg’s advantage is how close Samberg’s hometown is to Winnipeg. Ates said that Samberg’s parents can drive to games and are within a very close distance. Plenty of players don’t get a chance to play so close to their hometown. However, Samberg might get a chance to lock that down for a long time.
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