The Winnipeg Jets have already come to terms this summer on a huge RFA with their six-year, $45 million deal with Gabe Vilardi. Their other key remaining restricted free agent, however, defensesman Dylan Samberg, is set to go to arbitration on Wednesday, and the two sides have filed their proposed numbers—a whopping $3.5 million apart on AAV.
We have an arbitration filing for Dylan Samberg
He can only be given a one-year deal as he is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer
Jets: $2.5M
Player: $6M
Remember these filings are strategic and can be settled until the hearing begins
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 28, 2025
As noted by insider Elliotte Friedman, those numbers are filed strategically, leaving room for negotiation. In addition, because both sides have now filed, Samberg can only receive a one-year deal from the arbitrator, and he would become an unrestricted free agent next year—unless the two sides agree on something before Wednesday.
The mid-point of those numbers comes in at a $4.25 million AAV, but AFP Analytics had projected the Jets’ top-four d-man landing a five-year deal with a $5.2 million AAV, and he’s likely earned even more than that.
Dylan Samberg is likely Jets second best D after Morrissey. He is $6m player all day long with cap going up. And he is one season away from UFA status. He has all leverage here and Jets need to lock him up long-term.
— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) July 28, 2025
Samberg, 26, has improved in each of his three seasons on the Jets blueline, finishing 2024-25 with career highs of 20 points, 120 blocked shots, 21:08 average ice time, and a terrific plus/minus rating of +34. In 216 career games, he’s a +63.
He was a second-round pick of the Jets (43rd overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft.
So far, five of the 11 players around the league who filed for arbitration have settled in advance, signing new deals.
Photo: © James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images