The Winnipeg Jets handed out a two year, $8mm contract to Steve Mason before the season. He could hold down the fort until one of the youngsters took over, and be a nice little 1A-1B combo.
An overpay? Sure, but not ridiculously so. Especially for a fresh, new starting goaltender. Unfortunately, you know how things went.
Not unfortunately (if only there was a word for that), a hero emerged from the bench. A true, American hero. And his name was Connor Hellebuyck.
I know I overplay the American hero bit for Connor, (as Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler, Jacob Trouba and Kyle Connor are all Americans), but I went with it and I’m sticking with it.