It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the final four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, there are still plenty of news items for the other teams around the league. Teams that were eliminated early have to think about the future and this means next season and beyond. One of those teams that has to figure things out is the Winnipeg Jets. There are players like Pierre-Luc Dubois that have yet to decide their future. However, this edition of NHL rumours deals with the next Connor Hellebuyck contract.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Speculating on the next Connor Hellebuyck Contract
Rumour: The Athletic’s Murat Ates looked into the Jets’ off-season plans in his latest mailbag. One of the questions was on what the next deal would look like for the former UMass-Lowell standout. Ates said the Jets could do a number of things with the soon-to-be 30-year-old goalie. They could give Hellebuyck a long-term deal, but big term deals for goalies are risky. (Ask the Montreal Canadiens about Carey Price.)
Kevin Cheveldayoff is tasked with navigating Winnipeg’s difficult, interdependent and franchise-transforming decisions this summer.@WPGMurat outlines Cheveldayoff's major priorities that will define the Jets' offseason:https://t.co/JWfS1UjKTR
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) May 4, 2023
Ates suggested the Jets do a short-term two or three-year deal if they are in “win now” mode. The Jets’ scribe suggested that $9-10 million deal after the 2023-24 season would be the right play. However, there’s always the option to trade the Commerce, Mich. native if the Jets want to do a complete teardown.
The goalie market doesn’t have a lot of big names and Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could get a large return if they do trade the former Team USA goalie. However, this could be something that’s revisted at the trade deadline depending on a number of things. Winnipeg’s playoff positioning and Hellebuyck’s willingness to re-sign will be factors.
What Could a Connor Hellebuyck Contract Look Like?
A good season by the Jets may tempt Hellebuyck to want to stay up north. The short-term deal would likely be a win for Jets’ management due to the uncertainty about the future. Hellebuyck will want to get that security of a long-term contract.
This could be an interesting story to re-visit at the trade deadline. It all depends on how the Jets do at the start of the season.
Main photo by: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
