Teammate Adam Lowry has played for Canada at Worlds before and knows the kind of boost it can give a player through the summer and beyond.

“It can do a lot for your confidence. It can do a lot, kind of springboard you into the off season and then into the next season. So, Dylan’s a bright guy. He usually tries to take advantage of those situations. And in talking to him, he really enjoyed the experience,” said Lowry.

“So, I was very happy to see him get to go over there with Gabe and Mark. And unfortunately, they weren’t able to win it and do as well as they could have, but I think it’s going to be a beneficial experience for him for sure.”

DeMelo didn’t know it at the time – but he would be going up against a soon-to-be teammate in Viggo Björck, who Winnipeg selected eighth overall in June.

The Jets haven’t had a chance to draft this high in years, and DeMelo got an early look at what their newest first-round pick can bring while playing against Sweden at the World Championship. Björck didn’t look out of place playing against NHL veterans, and DeMelo was impressed by the 18-year-old’s speed, skill and willingness to compete.

“It’s exciting. Exciting for our group, exciting for the organization,” DeMelo said. “To be able to get a guy like that. We haven’t drafted that high in a long time. So, to get a guy that looks like he can step in and hopefully be a contributor right away is crucial for our group. A young guy, a lot of energy, a lot of speed. He’s got some skill for sure.”

DeMelo saw that competitiveness firsthand at Worlds, where Björck wasn’t intimidated by the level of competition — even when he found himself going up against some of the biggest names in the game.

“At Worlds there I felt he was really tenacious and really went after guys and wasn’t kind of starstruck, I guess, until after the game, asking Sid (Crosby) for a stick,” DeMelo said. “I was teasing him, saying, ‘Geez, you’ve played one game against him, and you had more stones to ask him for a stick than I’ve had in my career.’”

The story is a good example of the perspective DeMelo has gained since arriving in Winnipeg in 2020. He’s about to begin his seventh full season with the Jets, and along the way, the Manitoba capital has become more than just a place where he plays hockey. He’s made friends, built a life and raised his family here.

So, while there may be questions surrounding Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Jets, there’s no question where DeMelo stands when it comes to Winnipeg.

“I’ve loved my time here,” DeMelo said. “It’s my home away from home, so for me, this place is an amazing place to play. An amazing place to raise a family.”