Mark Scheifele & Connor Hellebuyck - Clutch Points
The Winnipeg Jets made a big announcement on Monday, revealing that Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck, two key players for the team, have agreed to seven-year contract extensions worth an average of $8.5 million per year.
Relief for Winnipeg Jets Fans
Scheifele and Hellebuyck were heading into the final year of their previous contracts and could have become unrestricted free agents next July. But fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that these two-star players, who have been with the Jets throughout their careers, will remain with the team until they are 38 years old.
Handling Trade Rumors and Player Retention
Over the summer and during training camp, there were questions about whether Scheifele and Hellebuyck wanted to stay in Winnipeg for the long term. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had to deal with trade rumors surrounding the players. However, he successfully kept them on board, ensuring no distractions as the Jets prepared to kick off their regular season against the Calgary Flames.
Impressive Career Stats for Scheifele and Hellebuyck
Securing the future of these homegrown talents was crucial for the Jets. Scheifele, drafted by the Jets in 2011, has been a top forward for nearly a decade, amassing 272 goals and 645 points in 723 games.
Hellebuyck, a fifth-round pick in 2012, has become not only the team’s top goalie but also one of the best in the NHL. Since 2016-17, he has played more games than any other goalie, with a record of 225 wins, 143 losses, and 36 ties, along with a .916 save percentage and a 2.68 goals-against average. Now, he will be paid like one of the league’s best, with contracts comparable to Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders and just behind Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers.
Impact on Team’s Performance
With Scheifele and Hellebuyck locked in, the Jets can now focus on their on-ice prospects. After last season’s first-round playoff exit, the team’s performance in the postseason has been inconsistent since their Western Conference finals appearance in 2017-18. Having Scheifele and Hellebuyck in the lineup greatly improves their chances, especially after the departure of Pierre-Luc Dubois in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings earlier this offseason.
This report used Information from ESPN
