2 players who reportedly requested a trade sign identical new contracts
Moments ago, the Winnipeg Jets answered the questions about their uncertain futures with two star players by signing them to massive identical contracts. Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck have both signed for seven years at $8.5M annually.
The move comes amid trade speculation for both players, and as the Jets as a team underperforming significantly last season, missing the playoffs. Instead of opting for a re-tool or rebuild, the Jets are doubling down on their core.
Scheifele is the offensive cornerstone of the Jets, their first overall pick since returning to Winnipeg. In 81 games last season, Scheifele scored 42 goals and 68 total points. Connor Hellebuyck is the catalyst of the entire team's success being one of the league's most elite goaltenders, last season posting a 2.49 GAA and .920 save percentage in 64 games played.
With these signings, the Jets are making a massive commitment to their existing core, and signalling that they believe this group can contend for a Stanley Cup. Realistically, with a competent offence including Scheifele backed by the elite goaltending of Hellebuyck, the team does have the tools to fare well in the playoffs, despite their previous failures.
| POLL | ||
Do you think they're worth the contracts? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 30.3 % |
| No | 12 | 36.4 % |
| Scheifele yes, Hellebuyck no | 4 | 12.1 % |
| Hellebuyck yes, Scheifele no | 7 | 21.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
