Steady D-man back on blue line

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This article was published 13/02/2023 (936 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

They say timing is everything. Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo is thankful a lower-body ailment only kept him out of three games as a result of it occurring just prior to an 11-day break in the schedule. Any other part of the season would have quickly upped the count.

“It was a good time to get injured, if you’re going to pick and choose,” DeMelo joked following Monday’s practice at Canada Life entire.

DeMelo, 29, is expected to be back in the lineup on Tuesday night as the Jets wrap up a homestand by taking on the Seattle Kraken. The team is certainly thankful to have one of its most reliable defenders return to action.

“He’s very steady. He understands his strengths, his weaknesses. Very steady,” said coach Rick Bowness.

“He’s not flashy. He keeps the game simple and he’s very, very reliable. When you have a reliable partner, you’re able to take a few more gambles offensively, which we’ve encouraged everyone from Day 1. That’s Mel, he’s just very steady, very secure. He stays within his strengths and that’s a compliment to him. He’s got hockey sense, he’s got a good feel for the pace of the game and he makes very few mistakes.”

DeMelo has also added some offensive flair to his game, with 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) in 46 games so far. His career-high of 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) set over 77 games in 2018-19 is within sight.

“I’m fortunate enough to play with some real good guys on this team and they make me look good,” said DeMelo. “You can always work on something in this league. Just trying to improve every day and try to get better as we go here.”

At the top of that good teammate list is all-star defenceman Josh Morrissey, who has been DeMelo’s partner for much of the year. Prior to joining Winnipeg in a 2020 trade, DeMelo was also paired in Ottawa with Thomas Chabot when he went to his first all-star game.

“I was joking around with (Morrissey) that I’ve got two all-star games under my belt. I got him and Chabot,” said DeMelo. “That’s the biggest brag you’ll hear out of me, I guess.”

DeMelo has also benefited from Bowness’ systems in which the defencemen are much more involved in the offensive attack.

“I definitely try to grow that part of my game and each year develop more and more of that. Just kind of pick Josh’s brain and other guys on our team about certain instances and certain plays. It’s been fun to kind of bounce ideas off them, and they’ve given me feedback just to work on my game,” said DeMelo.

“Honestly, this year top to bottom has been a lot better, and every day coming to the rink has been a blast.”

DeMelo was paired with Brenden Dillon during Monday’s practice, while Morrissey is with Neal Pionk.

“Early in the year, when we started the season, those were the pairings. So that’s an easy move to make as the game goes on,” said Bowness. “Practice is one thing, we’ll see what it looks like (Tuesday).”

DeMelo isn’t sweating who he’s playing with. He’s just happy to be back.

“It’s been a lot of fun playing with (Morrissey) this year. He’s having a fantastic year. He’s helped my game a lot, and it’s been an absolute treat to be along for that ride with him,” said DeMelo.

“I take a lot of pride in just being a good teammate. For my partner, for the whole team. To see a guy have success that you’re playing with, it brings me a lot of joy. Just kind of watch him go about his craft, watching the year he’s having for us. On and off the ice he’s been such a leader and such a great player and teammate for us. If I’m back and reunited with him, great. But it’s just been good to be back with the fellas.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg