Should the Winnipeg Jets Care About Connor Hellebuyck’s Preseason?

The Winnipeg Jets found a franchise goaltender last season. Well, they were hoping for one, but they got more than they bargained for.

But the Winnipeg Jets had a development plan in place. I’m assuming that plan was to have Connor Hellebuyck play under Steve Mason, steal some starts, and be ready to be the heavier part of the timeshare this season.

Well, he blew that plan away when he was the runaway success story for the team full of them last season. Hellebuyck was one of the best goaltenders in the league, as evidenced by his All-Star selection and second-place finish in the Vezina voting.

But while the Jets knew Helly was capable of seizing the starting job, this surprised many. Mason was traded away for salary relief and a youngster was brought in to conceivably play ~18 games next season.

They trust Hellebuyck. They gave him a six year, big money extension. He’s crucial to this team’s success. They should trust him. He looked great last season. But we know goaltenders can be fickle.

I’m aboard the Laurent Brossoit train, but I still would prefer if the team had found a veteran backup. Maybe they though Brossoit was the best option. He just might prove them right but until then, I’m concerned.

I’ll actually get to the point, this time.

So, we know that Connor Hellebuyck will go through this preseason the way most veterans do. Go through the motions, get yourself in game shape, and get the timing and everything down.

The results? They don’t matter. For a vet, you’ve got your roster spot locked up. Just worry about being ready and trying some things out for when the games matter.

That’s obviously what Hellebuyck is going to do. He was fine the other night against the Oilers. But if he struggles, should we be concerned?

I know I harp on this far too much, but on a team this complete, you have to worry somewhere. Things could always fall apart, but it’s my job to worry about how they might fall apart.

That being said, let me continue to beat this dead horse about Hellebuyck’s lack of extended success. Connor was good, especially for a rookie, in 2015-2016. The following year, he was mediocre.

Then, bam! Blows past expectations and nearly wins the Vezina and the Stanley Cup. I’m sure he’d love to take them both home this coming year. But yes, while he wasn’t bad before, he wasn’t great.

Yes, I understand that’s called development. I trust that he’s a capable starting NHL netminder. Hopefully he remains a very high-end one.

But if he puts up a ~.900 save percentage this preseason, are we concerned? I’m sure everyone’s hoping this never happens, and Hellebuyck continues to be fine or better in the exhibition games.

But if he isn’t? Is it a concern? Or do we only worry once two points are slipping through their hands?