By Jordan Long
The Winnipeg Jets have been quiet in free agency. They have decided to keep one of their own, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with a 6-year $37 million extension. This will keep him with the Jets until 2024. The contract will average $6.16 million a year.
Hellebuyck had his best year with the Jets last season. The Jets counted on him to make the save when the opponents broke in on goal. Hellebuyck didn’t allow many goals with a goals against average of 2.36. He rarely gave up rebounds and 2nd chance opportunities. His save percentage was an outstanding .924 helping him go 44-11-9. With Hellebuyck’s play in the regular season, the Jets made the postseason.
In the playoffs he was still impressive with a 2.36 goals against average, a save percentage of .922, and a record of 9-8. He helped the Jets advance all the way to the Western Conference Final before being knocked off by the Vegas Golden Knights. For his play during the year, he was second in the Venzina Trophy for Top Goaltender Of The Year to Pekka Rinne.
This is a fair deal for Hellebuyck. He is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL and his play showed that. This was his 3rd season in the NHL and his game is only going to improve. The Jets know in order to win a Cup, it starts in net. Hellebuyck has his chance to win a Cup for the city of Winnipeg.
The only downside of this deal is the Jets are overpaying for Hellebuyck. $6.16 million a year is an excessive amount of money for a goaltender. The only way this deal is worth it is if Hellebuyck is healthy and is able to help the Jets reach the postseason every year. They must advance to the Stanley Cup Final at some point and win a Cup. If not it was a wasted deal.
On paper, this is the right move for Winnipeg. Hopefully it pays off with a Stanley Cup victory in the next 6 years.
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