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Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec likely out for season after knee injury

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) makes a save on a Dallas Stars shot during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Jets defeat the Stars 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) makes a save on a Dallas Stars shot during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Jets defeat the Stars 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec might be done for the rest of the season after a knee injury. 

The Winnipeg Jets have long needed goaltending. Ondrej Pavelec has been with them since they were the Atlanta Thrashers. They are the only franchise he has played for. However, Pavelec is a free agent after this season. And it’s possible he has played his last game for the Jets, as he could miss the rest of the regular season due to a knee injury. Pavelec last played on Feb. 7.

For better or for worse, the Jets need to move on from Pavelec after this season. Connor Hellebuyck is their future and they need to move forward. Re-signing Pavelec would show satisfaction with the status quo. It isn’t all his fault, but he has never been a franchise goalie for the Jets. Pavelec has a career save percentage of .907 with a career high .920 save percentage back in the 2014-15 NHL season.

If the Jets want to improve, they must find a better backup. Luckily for them, there will be a plethora of goalies available on the trade market and in free agency. However, the Jets should shy away from guys like Ben Bishop. They don’t need a starter, although they certainly need a reliable backup. On the other hand, it’s not too wise to spend a lot of money on a goalie when cheap ones could be had.

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Ryan Miller could be an option if he’s willing to accept a lesser role. He’d be a strong mentor for Hellebuyck and he’s still an NHL caliber goaltender. Winnipeg, however, should target Steve Mason. He’s a bit of an enigma, as he’ll make your jaw drop with a beautiful save one second and leave you shaking your head in disgust after allowing a soft goal the next. But Mason’s certainly an upgrade over Pavelec and likely could be had for cheap.

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