In the 2023-24 NHL season, the Winnipeg Jets matched a 2.0 era achievement with a remarkable 52 regular-season victories, showcasing the depth and versatility of their roster. Despite their exceptional performance, their postseason efforts concluded prematurely with a first-round loss to the Colorado Avalanche in a swift five-game series. As we break down individual performances through our Report Card series, we take a closer examination of the Jets’ season, starting with standout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck’s performance during the regular season positioned him at the forefront of Vezina Trophy discussions, a testament to his pivotal role in the Jets’ success. Having inked a substantial seven-year extension in October, the 31-year-old netminder dispelled any doubts about complacency, maintaining an elite level of play that arguably made him the league’s most indispensable goaltender.
With unparalleled contributions to the Jets clinching their first William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals conceded, at just 199 goals against, Hellebuyck’s statistics were nothing short of remarkable.
His record includes 37 wins, a 2.39 GAA, a .921 save percentage, five shutouts, and leading the league with 40 quality starts, among others. These numbers, combined with leading the NHL in goals saved above expected (GSAx) and wins above replacement (WAR), cemented his position as the league’s top goaltender.
As a Vezina Trophy finalist for the fourth time and an NHL All-Star for the fourth time as well, Hellebuyck’s season milestones included his 500th NHL game, underscoring his consistency and longevity in the league. However, despite his regular-season heroics, the playoffs painted a different picture. Matching up against the Colorado Avalanche, Hellebuyck and the Jets found themselves overpowered, with Hellebuyck’s playoff performance notably deviating from his regular-season excellence.
Surrendering 19 goals in the series’ first four games, Hellebuyck concluded the postseason with a 5.23 GAA and a .870 save percentage, stark contrasts to his regular-season figures. This slump raised questions about his playoff reliability, marking a concerning trend in his recent postseason outings, despite the mixed blame between him and the team’s defensive efforts.
Reflecting on the season and playoffs, Hellebuyck expressed both pride in his performance and heartbreak over the premature playoff exit. As the Jets look forward, maintaining Hellebuyck’s elite status and addressing playoff performance challenges will be crucial for their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
With Hellebuyck locked in until 2031, the Jets not only have one of the league’s top goalies but also a passionate leader determined to guide the team to greater heights, underscoring the mutual commitment to success in the seasons to come. Despite the playoff disappointment, Hellebuyck’s contributions affirm his crucial role in the Jets’ championship aspirations.