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Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck Needs to Prove Himself in 2017-18

By Suraj Sukumar

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 28: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets adjusts his equipment during the game against the New Jersey Devils on March 28, 2017 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 28: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets adjusts his equipment during the game against the New Jersey Devils on March 28, 2017 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images) /
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The Winnipeg Jets avoided arbitration after signing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to a one-year, $2.25 million contract

The Winnipeg Jets are stocking up on goaltenders this offseason. After signing veteran Steve Mason to a two-year, $8.2 million contract, the Jets re-signed Connor Hellebuyck to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. Ondrej Pavelec manned the net for years, but the Jets look ready for a new chapter in their goaltending history.

After signing Mason and Hellebuyck, the Jets are back to having one of the more crowded creases in the NHL. Michael Hutchinson was signed in 2016, and will become an unrestricted free agent next year. Mason, the one goalie signed through 2018-19, is the only sure thing. Either Hutchinson or Hellebuyck could become a long-term option for the Jets in 2017-18.

Bridge Contracts for Hutchinson, Hellebuyck

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Even though Huthinson was signed last year, he has one year to prove himself in the NHL, and the same can be said for Hellebuyck. Both goalies need a strong training camp and preseason to get the backup job. There is a chance that the Jets stick with three goalies, but that extra roster spot could be better suited for a skater.

All three goalies have yet to pass 30 years old, and the best duo will likely get a long-term look. Mason should be the favorite to get the bulk of the starts, but anything can happen. Hellebuyck started more games last season, but there was never a clear starter in Winnipeg. This season, the Jets will be looking to solidify a long-term solution, and will count all three goalies to perform at their best.

Hellebuyck’s Job to Lose

Considering all the potential storylines, the Jets must be hoping for a big performance from Hellebuyck. Hutchinson is a UFA at the end of the year, and the Jets could easily trade him to a contender in need before the NHL trade deadline. If anything, Hutchinson is the perfect insurance policy in case one of Mason or Hellebuyck goes down.

With Mason leading the charge, Hellebuyck can progress at his own pace, with hopes of taking over the number one spot. Both goalies could split starts to maintain competition and avoid any serious injuries, which would help the Jets stay competitive in their own zone.

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Hutchinson has to be on the outside looking in. While a strong performance early on will help him secure starts, the Jets need to find a way to get Mason the bulk of the load, and develop Hellebuyck at the same time. If any one of these goalies were traded, the most likely candidate would be Hutchinson.

Mason is the top dog, Hellebuyck is the future prospect, and Hutchinson is the safety net. Depending on the best combination, the Jets will make the right decision early in the season. For Hellebuyck, making a strong impression right out of the gate could seal his long-term future in the NHL.

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