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.