Hellebuyck gets deal, wants to show more with Jets
Connor Hellebuyck knows he has much to prove after signing a oneyear contract with the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
Hellebuyck, speaking from his home in Commerce, Mich., after signing his new US$2.25 million deal, understands where he stands for this upcoming season after an up-and-down first full NHL campaign as Winnipeg’s starter last year.
“It’s all on the line,” said the 24-year-old, who will have plenty of financial incentive to improve. “I learned a lot, got a whole lot better (last season), but I have a whole lot more to give. I look forward to doing that this year. I’m going to have veteran (goaltender Steve) Mason here and I’m going to learn from him. I owe these guys my best every night.”
Monday’s contract signing helped Hellebuyck and the club avoid an Aug. 1 arbitration date.
“I wasn’t too worried, it’s just part of the business side,” he said. “I would have liked to get a deal done and that’s what I did. No one wins in arbitration. So I’m excited to get one done early enough.
“I’m excited for (the new contract). I’m happy to be with the Winnipeg organization again. I think the team is very good and has a very bright future. I’m excited to be a part of that future.”
Hellebuyck’s best play came in small bursts last season, and it wasn’t consistent enough for the Jets to place their trust in the 2012 fifth rounder night in, night out after he finished with a .907 save percentage.
On July 1, the Jets went out and signed nine-year pro Steve Mason to a two-year pact worth US$8.2 million.
Hellebuyck also lacked the presence of a veteran netminder last season. Winnipeg began the year with 27-year-old Michael Hutchinson as his team’s backup, and Hutchinson, who burst onto the scene during the 2014-15 season, had just 64 starts to his name at the time.
Mason’s arrival provides both experienced goaltending and mentorship for Winnipeg ’s young netminder.
“I view it as a good thing,” Hellebuyck said of Mason coming on board.
“It’s good for the team and it’s going to bring the team some confidence in the net. I’m going to learn from him. He’s a veteran guy who’s been through the ropes. I’m going to take what I can from him. And you know what? It’s going to push us both as goalies.”
Hellebuyck played 53 games with the Jets last year, posting a 26-19-4 record with four shutouts. He was also yanked eight times.
“We made decisions last year to give Connor the opportunity to play the number of games that he did so we could get a better feel of where we are at as an organization,” general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said.
“We feel now that with the addition of (Steve) Mason and Connor, we have very strong goaltending, both for now and the future.”
Hellebuyck will have two years of restricted free agency left following this upcoming season, after which he could become an unrestricted free agent.