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Thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck's long-term extension with the Winnipeg Jets?

July 13, 2018, 1:13 PM ET [8 Comments]
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck's six-year, $6.16 million (annually) extension with the Winnipeg Jets.

Todd Cordell

I think it's a little risky. Since entering the league Hellebuyck ranks 14th among 37 eligible goaltenders (5,000+ minutes) in 5v5 save percentage. He's proven to be above average and, at 25, one would think there is still room for a little growth. In saying that, Hellebuyck has had one good season as a starter and yet only five goaltenders will carry a larger cap hit next year.

Personally, I think a two-year bridge deal at, say, $4 million would have been the best path to take. It would have given the Jets a little more flexibility while their window is wide open. I don't see Hellebuyck reaching a level so high in the next two years that he would have warranted much of a raise from the $6.16M he signed for.

I'm not suggesting the deal is a disaster – Hellebuyck is really solid – but I'm generally wary of giving long-term, big money deals to goaltenders. There's just too much variation.

Peter Tessier

There is risk in this deal simply because goalies are a special kind of voodoo, no point in pretending. I’ve always maintained that teams don’t know they’ve got a Carey Price until they have him. Maybe the Jets do - maybe not. But if you look at comparable for Hellebuyck when signed he takes up less cap % than most.

Ideally I had hoped for 6 years at 34 million or about 500k less a year. This deal seems to be fair but no discount to the team. Hellebuyck did what he had to last off season and he’s going back to that plan again. He also wants to be in Winnipeg as a part of this group. The good news is he didn’t want more to play in Winnipeg. The bad news is no discount either.

Can he duplicate his success? That’s the bet the Jets made and given their belief of him from the get go they were comfortable making that bet, just as the Leafs did with Andersen after a similar season with Anaheim. If the cap goes up next season any overpayment will be forgotten. It’s a win-win for team and player.

James Tanner

The Hellebuyck contract is terrible. It is for too much money for way too many years. Yes he had a great season last year and he may continue to have many great seasons in the future. However, the odds are that like almost every single goalie, he has some good years and some bad ones. The Jets are essentially betting that Hellebuyck will be a top goalie for a long time. Its possible that it works out, but I would personally want a higher probability of success for this type of commitment, and almost no goalie can provide it.

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