The Winnipeg Jets have signed Vezina Trophy-finalist Connor Hellebuyck to a six-year contract worth $37 million.
Hellebuyck was nominated for the NHL’s best goalie award this past season after setting multiple franchise records. He posted 44 wins, the most by an American-born goaltender in league history, while appearing in a career-high 67 games. Hellebuyck also had six shutouts and a .924 save percentage.
“I love it here, said Hellebuyck, 25. “I want to be part of this team and I really believe this team has what it takes.”
Hellebuyck said having great people around him has led to his success in Winnipeg.
“I have the right agent, and the right organization and the right trainer and the right goalie coaches that help me succeed, and any time something falters we know exactly what to fall back on,” he said.
The Commerce, Michigan native also praised the team chemistry that the Jets have built during his time in Winnipeg.
“We’re having so much fun in this locker room, and you could feel it in the locker room that everyone was happy and having fun and wanting to come to practice, wanting to come to the rink, and you don’t get that every day, you don’t get that every place you go.”
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In 17 playoff games earlier this spring, Hellebuyck recorded nine wins, two shutouts, a 2.36 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. His performance helped the Jets reach the Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history.
Hellebuyck was selected by Winnipeg in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft.
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