Connor Hellebuyck Set to Become the NHL's Highest Paid Goalie
Connor Hellebuyck is arguably the best goaltender in the NHL, and his future remains uncertain.
Hellebuyck has one more year left in his contract with the Winnipeg Jets before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Cashing In
Per reports, it looks like Hellebuyck will be asking for a max-term deal with an average annual value deal of $9.5 million per season, according to Pierre LeBrun.
If he signs an eight-year deal Hellebuyck would have the largest value deal in the NHL, with a total of $76 million over those eight years.
This would be the most money given to an active goalie in the NHL.
Given the Jets' lack of direction heading into next year, it may not be Winnipeg who offers Hellebuyck a record-breaking deal.
The Jets' are at a crossroads with many players heading into the last year of their deals.
Hellebuyck can still achieve an eight year deal if the Jets invoke a sign and trade with another team.
Risky Business
Given that Hellebuyck is 31 years old, a max-term deal has the potential to become a massive headache for whatever team signs him.
Even though Hellebuyck has stayed relatively healthy throughout his career, you never know when the injury bug strikes. As goalies age their injury risk skyrockets.
Who would have thought Carey Price's NHL career would have been over by the time he was 32? If the Habs could have a do-over on that deal they would likely take it.
Which team will take this risky gamble on an aging but skilled netminder? We should find out soon.
| POLL | ||
Is Hellebuyck worth $9.5 million per season? | ||
| Yes | 369 | 19.7 % |
| No | 1140 | 60.9 % |
| Not on an eight year deal | 364 | 19.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
