Connor Hellebuyck: ‘Not Interested’ In Jets Rebuild

Connor Hellebuyck: ‘Not Interested’ In Jets Rebuild

I think this was the day the Winnipeg Jets franchise ceased to exist. AKA if you’re a real OG, the Canadian Leafs. Vegas beat Winnipeg 4-1 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and it feels like the end of an era for the Jets. After a fourth place in the Central Division with a 46–33–3 record, it feels like the Jets are about to pivot to a rebuild. Former Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck has no interest in sticking around if that’s the case.

“I’m not interested in a rebuild. I just want to compete,” Hellebuyck said. “I enjoyed myself more in five [playoff] games than I did all year. It’s like a high you’ve got to chase. You can’t replicate that anywhere else except in the playoffs.

“My main goal is to win a Stanley Cup and I’m starting to run out of time,” Hellebuyck added.

Hellebuyck, soon to be 30 in May, posted a 37–25–2 record and a .920 save percentage in 64 games with the Jets during the 2022–23 regular season. The former 5th round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Hellebuyck will carry a $6.167 million cap hit through the end of the 2023–24 season. If the Jets want to avoid losing their stud goalie for nothing, a trade may transpire this offseason.

Hellebuyck isn’t the only member of the Jets that could be leaving this offseason. Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler all have pending contracts to be tended to in the near future. There is, however, good news for the Jets. At least they have Aaron Rodgers!

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