Fansided

Winnipeg Jets re-sign Michael Hutchinson for two years

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 5, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) defends the goal in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) defends the goal in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jets goaltending situation just got a bit complicated with Michael Hutchinson getting re-signed to a two year deal worth $2.3 million. 

One of the teams expected to trade a goaltender this offseason is the Winnipeg Jets. With Connor Hellebuyck impressing as a rookie, the Jets have a surplus in net with two backup goalies. Winnipeg has made it obvious which goaltender they intend to keep by re-signing restricted free agent goaltender Michael Hutchinson to a two year deal worth $2.3 million. His cap hit will be $1.15 million per season.

With that deal, the Jets are expected to trade Ondrej Pavelec, who has one year remaining at a $3.9 million cap hit. Considering that Hellebuyck and Hutchinson posted similar or better numbers than Pavelec at a far cheaper price than Pavelec, a trade or a buyout could be in the works. The Jets could also decide to keep Pavelec and allow Hellebuyck to have more AHL experience. Though at this point, what else can Hellebuyck learn in the AHL? He has been quite dominant in the AHL and has shown that he can be an NHL starting goaltender.

Trading Pavelec could prove to be a task too difficult for the Jets, even with a weak goaltending market in free agency. They would likely either have to eat some of his cap hit or take back an equally bad one year deal. However, they are just one key injury to a goaltender away from a team perhaps being willing to acquire Pavelec.

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