Connor Hellebuyck signed a massive extension just before the start of the NHL season. To begin the year he is showing Winnipeg and the NHL why he is worth every dollar.
Hellebuyck Gets A Massive Pay Day
Just before the start of the season, Connor Hellebuyck was given a huge matching extension along with forward Mark Scheifele. These extensions keep them both with the organization but comes with some lofty expectations.
Hellebuyck and Scheifele agree to 7 year extensions with the Jets. $8.5 mil aav for both.
Some fans and media felt this was a massive overpay by the organization and that Connor Hellebuyck would not be able to live up to the contract. So far this season that could not be further from the truth.
Hellebuyck Shining Bright As The Best Goalie In The NHL
Connor Hellebuyck got himself back on track after a tough start this season. His best performance came in a recent game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Money Puck's tracking (@MoneyPuckdotcom) states that Connor Hellebuyck saved 2.32 goals above expected (GSAx) against the #LGRW.
He has returned to form after a shaky start.
After the big win, Hellebuyck's teammates and staff were very complimentary of the star goalie.
«We think he's the best goalie in the league,» said Jets right-winger Mason Appleton, who scored an important insurance marker and added an assist on the empty-netter. «At the start of the season, we were getting scored on a little bit more than we liked. A little bit more than he liked as well. But you know when you've got such an elite goaltender it's only a matter of time until he gets his game exactly where he needs it and wants it.
«He's been going here for the last few games. He took charge of that one,» said Jets associate coach Scott Arniel. «I know it's a kind of a hometown game for him, that one. But he was big out there. He was rock solid, made the stops when we needed them, certainly in that first 10 minutes to start the third. And then he brought it home for us.»
This is nothing new to Hellebuyck though as greatness is the expectation when he steps between the pipes.
Fewest career games to get 100 road wins - US born goalies in NHL history: 193- Ryan Miller 200- Tim Thomas 204- Connor Hellebuyck (Backstopping a 4-1 @NHLJets victory earlier tonight over the Red Wings) 210- Jonathan Quick 219- Craig Anderson 240- Tom Barrasso 240- Mike Richter
If the Winnipeg Jets are going to continue to push towards a Stanley Cup with this core group Connor Hellebuyck will be a major component. He is playing at a great level this season and will need to keep his consistency to give his team a chance.