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Winnipeg Jets: Expectations for Ondrej Pavelec

By Andrei Lutz |

One of the leading questions on everyone’s mind heading into the Jets 2015-2016 season is what will happen to Ondrej Pavelec? Well, today I’m going to tell you my expectations for Pavelec this season and what that means for the Winnipeg Jets.

I don’t need to talk about Pavelec’s stats from last year’s regular season, as I have talked about them a lot and they don’t really mean anything heading into the upcoming season. The stat that does mean something is Pavelec’s horrible postseason performance from last year with his 3.73 GAA, 0-4 record, and .891 save percentage. I hate to be the one to say (who am I kidding I love to say it!) but this will simply not suffice this season.

Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg Jets /

Winnipeg Jets

Pavelec’s leash is short, he has been the Jets’ starting goaltender since their last year in Atlanta, and frankly all he has to show for it is some mediocre stats and a ghastly playoff performance. Why does the Jets’ staff need to continue to deal with such mediocrity when they have a solid young backup in Michael Hutchinson and Connor Hellebuyck waiting in the wings. The Jets don’t have to settle for mediocrity anymore, for they have a option they have often not had in past years, and that is option is to go with a goaltender other then Pavelec.

My prediction for Pavs this season?

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Mediocre stats similar to last season, but not as bad as the playoffs. He will keep the Jets on the edge of the playoff picture and will often not warrant much praise. If my prediction comes true then Pavs fate is simple, he will be traded for a defensive or offensive player who can aid the Jets on their playoff run with Michael Hutchinson in net. The Jets will trade Pavs while he still holds value, especially if he is coming between them and a lengthy playoff run.

Let me be the first to say that I hope Pavs proves me wrong, I like him (believe it or not) and I want him to succeed, but in terms of getting somewhere we haven’t really gone for decades, he is a brick weighing us down, and if he brings mediocrity to the table, we won’t settle.

What do you guys think? Agree with my expectations for Pavelec this season? Will he have a breakthrough season? Or will this in fact be the last season that we see Pavelec in Winnipeg? Comment below and join in on the discussion!

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