Samberg has Top-4 potential

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This article was published 01/10/2023 (735 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dylan Samberg isn’t about to change his approach, even if his spot on the depth chart is much more secure than it was 12 months ago.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman is in no danger of finding himself in the press box as a healthy scratch when his team opens the season on Oct. 11 against the Calgary Flames.

Samberg has grown into a valuable member of the defence corps, a sturdy blue-liner who is counted on to kill penalties and soak up significant minutes on the third pairing.

When you consider how much his game grew over the course of last season, it’s hard to believe he was embroiled in a three-way battle with Logan Stanley and Kyle Capobianco in training camp last fall.

“There’s always going to be a fight for a job. It’s a business and that’s how this world works,” said Samberg, who had two goals and eight points in 63 games last season. “That’s why you’ve got to make sure that you bring your A-game every day. I don’t have as many games as Brenden Dillon or Josh Morrissey. So it’s always going to be a fight and it’s always going to be a battle.

“It’s hard to get a job in this league, but it’s harder to keep it.”

That’s true, but the experience gained from being involved in that battle last season and eventually winning that battle is something Samberg can lean on as he continues to work on his progression.

“It’s the way it is, especially early on (in your career) like that. It’s a little adversity, but you learn a lot from it,” said Samberg, who signed a two-year deal worth $2.8 million and carries an AAV of $1.4 million. “You’re just focusing on more consistency. That will benefit you to make sure that you get that ice time. You try not to focus too much on what’s going on around you. Focus on your game and bring what you can bring to the table. The rest will work itself out.

“It’s always your dream to keep pushing up in the lineup. When you get that chance or if it ever comes your way, make sure you don’t waste it.”

Down the stretch and into the playoffs, Samberg’s steady play, including his willingness to block shots and his ability to clear the front of the net, allowed him to clearly separate himself from the competition.

“I relied a lot on my defence. Making sure that I have tight gaps and try not to let their rush get into our zone. And making sure that I get the puck off my stick to the forwards quick enough,” said Samberg, who was asked how he blossomed into a good shot blocker. “Basically just throwing your body in front of (the puck). Just knowing that it’s going to hurt, but in the long run, hopefully you’re going to save a goal.”

Samberg, 24, is projected to begin the campaign on the third pairing once again, though his ceiling should move him up into the Top-4 before long.

“That’s what we see. It’s time for him to take the next step and we’re going to give him that opportunity. The rest will be up to him,” said Jets head coach Rick Bowness. “We’ve seen a lot of good things, a lot of big development last year.

“Now we need to see him play at a higher level.”

The Jets head coach wasn’t the only one who was impressed by Samberg last season.

“A young guy that came in with a great attitude and kind of was just wanting to learn and get better every day, similar to a lot of the young guys,” said Jets defenceman Brenden Dillon. “For (Samberg’s) game, he knows that when he’s simple, just moving pucks, using his size… He was in a bunch of different roles, and evolved on the penalty kill as well.”

Samberg, who is expected to skate alongside Ville Heinola in Monday’s preseason game in Calgary against the Flames, showed off the physical element of his game on Friday when he caught Ottawa Senators centre Tim Stutzle with a jarring hit just inside the defensive blue line.

The ability to throw big hits has always been part of Samberg’s game, but it’s tough to find that delicate balance on when to step up and when to play a bit more conservative style when the risk of being removed from the lineup is top of mind.

Now that he’s fully earned the trust of the coaching staff, you can expect Samberg’s hit totals to be on the rise – though he’s not going to put himself out of position to do so.

“He’s a really athletic guy. A big guy who moves really well,” said Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey. “He’s got good instincts defensively. He’s got a long stick, he’s great defensively. He’s got all the tools.

“The confidence that comes with playing regularly in the NHL really helped him last season. That’s where he’s grown the most.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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