Winnipeg Jets Prospect Report (3/30) – Connor Hellebuyck
The latest installment of the Winnipeg Jets prospect report features goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
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Connor Hellebuyck is considered the Winnipeg Jets’ best goalie prospect. They selected him in the 2012 NHL Draft with the 130th overall pick (round 5).
Since being picked by the Jets, Hellebuyck has played very well. At U-Mass-Lowell in 2012-13, he posted a 1.37 GAA through 24 games played. In 2013-14, he put up a 1.79 GAA through 29 games. Following that campaign, he came over to the Jets’ minor league system, which he played in this season.
In Hellebuyck’s first season in the AHL, he posted a respectable 2.51 GAA through 55 games. This is coupled with a solid .923 save percentage.
Standing at 6′ 4”, the Commerce, MI native has more than ideal size for an NHL goalie. He should be able to clog the open areas of the net with his frame if he adds a few more pounds (currently at 200 LB, according to Hockey’s Future).
Here is Hockey Future’s talent analysis for Hellebuyck:
Hellebuyck has the athleticism and physical attributes to be a successful starting goalie. Skating for one of the top defending teams in college hockey he had unbelievable numbers. While he likely will not match those numbers at the pro level his upside is significant.
That report sounds like the Jets have a future starting goaltender waiting in the wings, whenever he is ready. It could be another few years, but the future seems bright for the 21 year old.
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