The Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck have agreed to a contract prior to their player-elected arbitration hearing. Hellebuyck has signed a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. This is probably a little bit more than the Jets were hoping to pay Hellebuyck, but it will mean that Hellebuyck will be a restricted free agent at the end of the contract.
This is an interesting contract for Hellebuyck to agree to as it seems as the starting position is Steve Mason’s to lose. It is a gamble for Hellebuyck because he is betting on himself to be able to outplay Mason for the starting position so he can be paid what he wants.
This contract probably sews up the back-up position for Hellebuyck and leaves Hutchinson to be sent to the AHL where he will be the supportive veteran to young Eric Comrie. This will hopefully stabilize the Jets goalie position for the next season and allow for a slow transition to Mason moving on and Hellebuyck taking over the reigns with Comrie as his back-up.
