After playing a league leading 58 AHL games in his rookie campaign for then affiliate St. John’s IceCaps, Winnipeg Jets‘ 2nd year goaltender Connor Hellebuyck(30) was a bit of a later cut from training camp as the parent club gave him an extended look.
In 2014/2015 he posted a 28-22-5 mark on a team that had just below a .500 record and played a mammoth best 3331:41 minutes making 1666 saves and managed to keep his GAA decently low at 2.58 with a .921 SV%.
Off to a bit of an uneven start for new farm team, the bottom dwelling Manitoba Moose, he’s 2-7-1 in 10 appearances but has at least kept his club in every contest with a 2.41 GAA and .927 SV%.
It was good enough for the Jets as they needed a backup when one of their starting goalies was struck down with an injury.
He’s proving the brighter lights of the NHL doesn’t phase him, as the 22-year old has won his first three outings letting in only a goal a game for a .097 GAA and brick wall .965 SV%.
With continued great play, he may give them something to think about, but considering they are fairly sound between the pipes and he’s still has one-year left on his entry level deal, is able to go up and down without clearing waivers.
Connor Hellebuyck(37) St. John’s IceCaps
Winnipeg Jets‘ 5th round pick in the 2012 draft (#130 overall) rookie goalie Connor Hellebuyck(37) is doing everything, including standing on his head to make saves, trying to push farm club St. John’s IceCaps into a playoff berth after last year making it all the way to the 2014 Calder Cup Finals.
The 6’4″ 200 lbs. net minder has started 40 AHL games, more than any other, is tied with a league leading 22 wins and 14 losses to go along with a 2.36 GAA and .926 SV%.
He’s tied for the lead in shutouts with 5 and his goals against average is good enough for 5th among first year back stops.
After two seasons of outstanding numbers with UMass-Lowell Riverhawks including the 2012 NCAA Hockey East Championship and goaltender of the year award in his first year, the 21-year old maybe rightly decided it was time to turn pro.
He’d also shared the top player between the pipes honors in his only year of American juniors in the NAHL with Odessa Jackalopes.
Although he has yet to receive his first NHL recall, he’s easily being groomed and has time as he’s signed to an entry level deal through 2017.