The Winnipeg Jets made a significant announcement on Monday, as they revealed that Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck had both signed seven-year contract extensions. These extensions, worth an average annual value of $8.5 million, ensure that the franchise cornerstones will remain with the Jets for the foreseeable future. It is a crucial move for the team, as Scheifele and Hellebuyck were set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. By finalizing the deals, the Jets solidify their core and remove any potential distractions before the start of the regular season.
Throughout the summer and training camp, both Scheifele and Hellebuyck faced numerous questions about their long-term plans. The players’ desire to remain with the Jets was evident, and their commitment to the organization is unwavering. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff navigated the rumors surrounding possible trade partners for Scheifele and Hellebuyck, ensuring that the homegrown talents would stay in Winnipeg. Securing these key players is crucial to the Jets’ future success.
Mark Scheifele, who was drafted seventh overall by the Jets in 2011, has been an integral part of the team’s offense for almost a decade. With 272 goals and 645 points in 723 career games, Scheifele has consistently proven his value on the ice. He has shouldered a significant workload during both 5-on-5 and special teams play. With his contract extension, Scheifele has solidified his place as one of the team’s top forwards for years to come.
Connor Hellebuyck, a fifth-round pick in 2012, has emerged as not only the Jets’ number one goaltender but also one of the NHL’s best netminders. Since the 2016-17 season, Hellebuyck has started more games than any other goalie in the league, amassing a record of 225-143-36. With a .916 save percentage and a 2.68 goals-against average, Hellebuyck has consistently showcased his skills between the pipes. His contract extension reflects his status as one of the league’s premier goalies, putting him in the same pay grade as Ilya Sorokin and just behind Sergei Bobrovsky.
With Scheifele and Hellebuyck locked into long-term contracts, the Jets can now shift their focus to the prospects on their roster. After a disappointing first-round exit from the playoffs last season, the team is eager to regain their previous success. Since their Western Conference finals appearance in 2017-18, the Jets’ postseason performances have been inconsistent. However, with Scheifele and Hellebuyck leading the way, their chances of returning to that level have significantly improved. The departure of Pierre-Luc Dubois in an offseason trade with the Los Angeles Kings makes the contributions of Scheifele and Hellebuyck even more crucial.
The Winnipeg Jets have secured their future by signing Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck to seven-year contract extensions. These deals solidify the team’s core and eliminate any lingering distractions. With their star players committed to the organization, the Jets can now focus on taking their postseason performances to new heights. The contract extensions are a testament to the significant contributions of Scheifele and Hellebuyck and reinforce their importance to the team’s success.
Leave a Reply