The Winnipeg Jets missed the playoffs, and star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is directing questions about the team's offseason to executive vice president and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
"That's a great question for Chevy, it really is," the three-time Vezina winner and reigning Hart Trophy recipient said Friday when asked what the Jets can do to improve. "From my perspective, I would like to see - I mean, complacency is not gonna get us moving forward, so something's gotta happen."
He added, "To just put that same product on the ice, I don't think it worked for a reason."
Here's #NHLJets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck's full answer when asked what the Jets can do this offseason. He starts by saying it's a great question for Kevin Cheveldayoff, before expanding on it: https://t.co/DIORvZrbjU pic.twitter.com/izZwarWfeH
— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) April 17, 2026
The Jets, who posted a 35-35-12 record, finished seventh in the Central Division, ending their three-year streak of playoff appearances. Last year, they won the Presidents' Trophy by going 56-22-4 but wound up losing in the second round of the postseason to the Dallas Stars.
Hellebuyck authored a 2.86 GAA and .895 save percentage over 57 games but also missed time due to injury. The 32-year-old American isn't expected to earn serious consideration for a fourth Vezina.
"I don't want to go and leave any speculation. I love this city, and I love playing here, and the fans have given me so much," Hellebuyck added after a long pause when asked about his future with the franchise. "I've given so much back to the fans. And there's a real connection there."
Hellebuyck is signed through the 2029-30 campaign on a deal that's worth $8.5 million annually.
