The Winnipeg Jets resolved key questions by reaching terms with forward Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on Monday.
The two men, who could have become unrestricted free agents next summer, signed identical seven-year contracts worth $8.5 million annually.
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Many expected next season to be the last for both hockey players in Winnipeg, as the club has struggled to achieve playoff success in recent years.
“I think it was very important for me to be a Jet for the next eight years as I will be 39 when my contract ends. To say that I will remain a Jet for life is an honor. Not a lot of guys had the opportunity to really do it and only knew one team their entire career,” Scheifele told the Jets’ website.
“Steve Yzerman was my idol as a child, I always admired him and he is a guy who has spent his entire career on the same team. “That doesn’t happen much these days in the world of hockey and sports in general,” the center added of the man who spent 22 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Scheifele was selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2011 draft and just completed his 13th training camp with the Manitoba team. Last year, the center, who plays on the Jets’ front line, scored 42 goals and 26 assists for 68 points in 81 games.
“We tried not to interfere in each other’s affairs until it was confirmed,” Scheifele said. We were able to talk about it and it is of course very special to sign the same contract as Connor. [Il est] a perennial Vezina Trophy contender, one of the best goaltenders in the league and knowing he’ll be protecting this team for another eight years is huge.
Hellebuyck was also selected by the Canadian team in the fifth round (130th overall) of the 2012 auction. He has eight seasons in the National League. During the 2022-23 season, the Michigan native had a record of 37-25-2, a save percentage of .920 and a goals-against average of 2.49.