Dylan DeMelo Aims for Consistency as Jets Prepare for Season

As the Winnipeg Jets gear up for the upcoming NHL season, defenceman Dylan DeMelo has set high expectations for himself. Reflecting on his past performance, DeMelo expressed a desire for greater consistency and improvement, particularly after experiencing ups and downs last season. His self-assessment highlights the commitment he has to both his personal development and the team’s success.

DeMelo, who joined the Jets from the Ottawa Senators on February 18, 2020, acknowledged that while he did not view last season as a complete failure, he recognized the need for growth. “Personally, my game was up and down,” he said. “Everybody in here individually had the highest expectations for themselves. I had two, back-to-back career years, and it wasn’t just the points that were the biggest thing. It was my steadiness.”

Reflecting on Challenges and Growth

Last season presented DeMelo with various challenges, both on and off the ice. He noted the arrival of a new child into his family and the adjustments that came with it. “Last year was a lot of learning on the go,” he explained. “You don’t have a playbook or the magic book on how to deal with that. You deal with it the best you can.” This reflection has shaped his approach during the off-season, allowing him to identify areas for improvement.

DeMelo emphasized the importance of maintaining a rigorous training regimen. “I try to improve everything,” he stated. “For me, it’s the steadiness, the consistency. Where I’m really good on breakouts, defending hard, separating the man from the puck.” At 32, he is determined to push himself further, aiming to elevate his game to new heights.

Jets assistant coach Dean Chynoweth echoed DeMelo’s sentiments, recognizing the balance between highs and lows in his performance. “What I do like is his professionalism about it,” Chynoweth remarked. “When he is playing well, he is moving pucks and is physical in his own end.” This commitment to improvement is vital as the Jets strive to build on their previous successes.

Aiming for Top Pair Status

In partnership with Josh Morrissey, DeMelo aspires to form one of the top defensive pairings in the league. Their chemistry has been evident as they frequently face the toughest competition. “We want to be the best pair in the league,” DeMelo stated. “We know that if we win our matchup more times than not, we put ourselves in a good position to win.” This goal reflects the competitive spirit that drives the Jets as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

The upcoming season holds particular significance for the Jets, who captured the Presidents’ Trophy last season but faced disappointment in the playoffs, losing in Game 6 of the second round to the Dallas Stars. DeMelo highlighted the importance of learning from that experience. “You’re bitter right after it happens,” he admitted. “You want to know what happened. I loved our team last year, and I think we were the better team through a lot of that series.”

As training camp progresses, DeMelo has observed a motivated group ready to build on last season’s achievements. “It’s just about not resting on our laurels,” he said. “We’re going to have a target on our back. We’re going to have to be really dialled in with our details.” The continuity within the core players, along with the integration of new talent, positions the Jets well for a strong start to the season.

In summary, Dylan DeMelo is determined to elevate his game and contribute significantly to the Winnipeg Jets’ success this season. With a focus on consistency, accountability, and teamwork, he is poised to make a substantial impact as the team embarks on its quest for the Stanley Cup.