The Winnipeg Jets announced that they have agreed to terms with defenceman Dylan DeMelo on a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.9 million.

Dylan DeMelo has been a dependable defenseman for the Jets, and he played all 82 games for the team last season, scoring three goals and recording 28 assists for a career-high of 31 points, according to NHL.com. DeMelo also had a career-high in plus-minus with a +46 rating, which was second in the NHL. He also led the Jets in blocked shots with 139 while finishing second in time-on-ice for the team, averaging 21:44 time-on-ice per game.

Initially, DeMelo started his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks before playing with the Ottawa Senators. After playing with the Sharks and Senators, DeMelo has found stability with the Jets, as evidenced by the extension he received from the team and staying with the franchise for the last five seasons. He has become known for being a reliable defensive-minded defenseman who is valuable to the Jets' blue line.

This past season, DeMelo was the right defenseman on the Jets' top pairing, with Josh Morrissey on the left side. Josh Morrissey is more of an offensive-minded player, as he has put up 145 points over the last two seasons. DeMelo in theory frees up Morrissey to be more aggressive on offense, as he takes the bulk of the defensive responsibilities.

As far as the value of the contract, most advanced stats outlets like the signing for the Jets, with the projections coming in at or similar to the level of the deal that he signed. It is not a surprise to see DeMelo staying after what he said back in May.

“I can definitely see myself staying here,” DeMelo said, via David Minuk of Illegal Curve back on May 2. “There's no doubt about it. Like I said I am definitely comfortable here. Felt like I've grown here as a player, as a person. I do hope it works here. I really do. We'll see how things go here. We've got two months, hopefully earlier, to get something figured out. I really enjoy the city and being here and the fans. It feels like home for sure. So I hope it works out. Obviously nothing is guaranteed but I could definitely see myself staying here.”

Jets keeping the band together with Dylan DeMelo signing

Not long ago, there were some who believed that the Jets could blow things up, but they instead decided to keep core pieces for the long-term to try to win with this group. The franchise extended center Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The new deal for DeMelo is a continued commitment to that direction. The Jets hope to find more playoff success after a disappointing exit this season against the Colorado Avalanche.