The Winnipeg Jets have given Vezina Trophy finalist Connor Hellebuyck a six-year extension worth $37 million
Going into the 2018 offseason, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves needing to extend some key players. The most important among those players? Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had a career season and finished as a Vezina Trophy finalist.
The Jets have announced they have agreed to terms with the restricted free agent goaltender. Hellebuyck is getting a six-year deal worth $37 million total. That gives him a $6.167 million annual cap hit.
Hellebuyck finished second in the Vezina Trophy voting behind winner Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators. The 25-year-old goaltender finished with an impressive 44-11-9 record during the regular season. Hellebuyck set career highs with a .924 save percentage as well.
#NHLJets have agreed to terms with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on a six-year, $37M contract ($6.167M AAV). pic.twitter.com/5SBLYimrNM
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 12, 2018
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Also, the Jets goaltender led the league in wins, total minutes played (3,966), and goaltending point shares (14.0). Hellebuyck finished 13th in the Hart Trophy voting, receiving a fourth-place vote and two fifth-place votes.
He helped the Jets make their first Western Conference Final appearance in franchise history. During the postseason, Hellebucyk posted a .922 save percentage, allowing 2.36 goals against per game. He also posted two shutouts to go along with nine quality starts in 17 playoff games.
His new contract will make him the sixth-highest paid goalie as far as cap hit, right behind Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens ($6.5 million) and just ahead of Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby ($6.1 million).
Hellebuyck will be under contract until he is 31 years old after the 2023-24 season. The Jets now must turn their attention to restricted free agent defensemen Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba. Both will likely be seeking long-term deals, especially the latter.
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The Jets had their most successful season in franchise history in 2017-18. Hellebuyck played a huge role in that and has proven he’s a franchise goaltender. Now he has a lofty contract he must live up to as he tries to help the Jets win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.