Since the Jets have a few bright futures in the crease with Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie, and Jamie Phillips, is it really worth it for the Jets to re-sign Pavelec to a three million dollar deal?
Ondrej Pavelec is obviously someone who you wouldn’t just want to lose to free agency for no return.
My theory is, that they will play him lots early in the season to raise his value, and when he reaches his highest value, they will trade him. I think at his highest income, the Jets could receive a 2nd round pick, and a potential 3rd line prospect.
After Pavelec is traded, Hellebuyck will become the starting goalie, and Hutchinson will stay as the backup.
Once the Las Vegas team completes their expansion process, I don’t think Hutchinson will be picked, I believe they will try to trade him. His value could be almost anything, because he could have a great season, or a horrible one. His value next offseason could be anywhere between a second round pick and a fourth round pick.
In one to three years, the Jets goalie tandem will look like:
1. Hellebuyck
2. Comrie
3. Phillips
If they all become elite, starting, or even backup goalies, they can trade one of them to clear up some room, and to receive an asset that may help their team down the road. There is also a chance that all of them could call themselves part of the Winnipeg Jets organization.
Even if one of them doesn’t turn out, they still have a very bright future ahead of them in the crease.