From the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets rumours are flying high and wide. Today us at Last Word On Hockeys present the latest and greatest from the Manitoban capital. One defenceman appears headed to salary arbitration, and we also provide an update on their sniper’s contract situation.
NHL Rumours: The Winnipeg Jets Putting Some Finishing Touches on their Roster
Rumour: As an update, from the main man Elliotte Friedman, Samberg and club remain far apart. So, the two sides seem destined for arbitration.
Analysis: Yes, the two sides seem quite far apart. However, given the situation, and the fact it is a one-year deal in dispute, it’s not entirely unexpected.
In 2024-25, the 26-year-old defenceman Dylan Samberg really came into his own. He established himself as a consistent contributor to the Jets backend. In 60 games, he scored six times, added 14 assists, all the while playing over 21 minutes a night. This really plays well for him being a free agent this summer.
Of course, Winnipeg and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff are a little more cautious. It was Samberg’s first season as a top-four guy. Hence, the salary arbitration filing. The Jets are hoping to get Samberg for $2.5 million, while Samberg’s camp is up to $6 million. Both sides do have a case, but on a one-year deal, where Samberg is set for unrestricted free agency, it probably makes sense to have a compromise. Samberg’s play did earn him a raise. However, for just one year, he’s better off continuing to prove himself. Also, the Jets should reward the 6’4″ defender for his big season. The Jets don’t want a rift with a player, so both parties are better off finding the middle ground.
The Update on Jets Sniper Kyle Connor’s Potential New Contract
Another quick Jets update, comes from David Pagnotta, who appears on Melnick In the Afternoon. It is regarding their star winger Kyle Connor. It sounds like they are working on the contract extension. Moreover, Connor is entering the final year of his current seven-year, $50 million contract. It sounds like he will be due for a raise, given his performance as an elite goal sniper.
The 28-year-old is even coming off a career year. He set personal bests in assists (56) and points (97), not to mention scoring more than 40 goals for the second time in his career. In addition, he’s been remarkably consistent. In each of his full NHL seasons, he’s been between 1.1 and 1.6 goals-per-60-minutes over all situations. For brevity, 1.5 g/60, over 82 games, at 20 minutes a game, is well, 41, his 2024-25 total.
In any case, negotiations seem cordial. Look for Connor to sign for term and decent money. Don’t be shocked if he lands somewhere aroumd six-to-eight years anywhere between $9-to-11 million. Moreover, it seems like a lot when you put it that way. But as one of the top and consistent scoring wingers in the game, he deserves it.
Even though the Jets are close, GM Cheveldayoff remains busy trying to improve his club. Losing Nikolaj Ehlers hurt, but it wasn’t something they weren’t unprepared for. If Cheveldayoff can put these contracts behind him, he can continue looking forward.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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