Hellebuyck era grinds to conclusion
Franchise netminder’s legacy left in limbo
NOW that the Connor Hellebuyck era of the Winnipeg Jets has finally concluded, what impact will the departure have on the netminder’s legacy?
It’s a complex answer and one that could change with the benefit of time and a side order of sober second thought.
Given how raw things are right now and how things quickly went sideways — with the franchise goalie forcing his way out of town with his trade request in April — much of the Jets fan base find themselves at the “good riddance” stage of the grieving process.
This wasn’t how the story was supposed to end and some feelings have been hurt along the way.
“Well, one thing we can never forget is, again, he was a big part of our family — and we accomplished some pretty good things,” said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff on Friday. “Those memories are going to be the same.”
Just over three years ago, Hellebuyck signed a contract that by his own words was to make him a lifetime Jet and a one-organization player.
That day, which included a matching seven-year, US$9.5 million extension for fellow franchise pillar Mark Scheifele, was widely celebrated locally and in wider NHL circles. It was a testament to the club to retain homegrown players and avoid shipping them out of town in a trade — which seemed like a more likely outcome for a good chunk of that off-season.
Hellebuyck’s goaltending ability added to the aura around him, since the 1.0 version of the Jets lacked Vezina-calibre netminders.
His regular-season results were spectacular and that’s certainly a big part of the aforementioned legacy.
On three occasions, he was awarded the Vezina as the top goalie and he earned a pair of Jennings trophies as the Jets allowed the fewest goals in the NHL in consecutive seasons.
Hellebuyck captured the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 campaign.
He was constantly referred to as the backbone of the team — a title he took great pride in.
That portion of the resumé is impeccable paired with 625 games played (including 615 starts), a record of 345-208-55, 45 shutouts, a 2.58 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.
That he achieved those lofty heights after being chosen in the fifth round (130th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft only added to his somewhat unlikely story.
“We took a chance on some gangly guy out of Odessa (of the North American Hockey League),” Cheveldayoff said. “But he’s earned his way along the way. As an organization, we’re proud of what we had accomplished, we wish we could have pushed it over the top.”