Goaltender Max Hildebrand is appearing at the 2026 Winnipeg Jets development camp hoping to catch on with the Canadian franchise. He has had his ups and downs in his career but has always put in the effort to be great. This season, he hopes to be playing in the organization that will give him this big break.
Who is Max Hildebrand?
Hildebrand is a 6-foot-2 goaltender and weighs in at 192 pounds. Hailing from Martensville, Saskatchewan, Canada, he has fought from behind many times in his young career. Selected by the Flin Flon Bombers 43rd in the 2019 SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) U15 Draft, he emerged with a decent showing in limited action. He would then move on to the Western Hockey League (WHL) after being drafted 286th in the 2019 WHL Prospect Draft and play four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders. In those four seasons, he compiled a record of 69-50-12 with an .894 save percentage and a 3.25 goals against average in 143 games.
He was a major factor in the Raiders' turnaround from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. He appeared in a league-high 55 games , posting a record of 33-16-5 with a 2.87 goals against average, a .918 save percentage, and three shutouts in 2024-2025. His performance during this stretch spoke volumes about his discipline and attention to detail. Not only did the team turn it around, but he also redefined his game and became a top-notch goaltender.
Majoring in Sports Management, Hildebrand made his move to Bemidji State University of the CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) and posted a record of 8-14 with a .895 save percentage and a 2.71 goals against average. Not bad for season number one in the CCHA. Regardless of what happens in development camp, he is expected to return to Bemidji State in hopes of winning a championship.
Why he could grab a spot
After going undrafted in the NHL, he attended the development camps of the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens. While he did not stick, this opportunity gave him more exposure. He is only trying to latch on and hopefully get the chance to show his full potential. There could be a spot this season.
At the American Hockey League (AHL) level, the Manitoba Moose have Dom Divincentiis and Thomas MIlic, who are both ready to go between the pipes in Winnipeg, although Milic is a step closer. Winnipeg also has prospect Isaac Poulter, who is awaiting his 26-27 team.
One of these goaltenders could be in the Jets crease this season. Rumors are swirling that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could be on the move and Eric Comrie is an unrestricted free agent (UFA). Although it is a small chance, both Hellebyuck and Comrie could leave this offseason, leaving at least one spot open. This all depends on free agency. Right now, the goaltending depth depth looks strong but if Winnipeg has two departures then Hilldebrand has a massive opportunity to grab a spot as high as the AHL for the upcoming season.
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