By signing identical seven-year contract extensions worth $8.5 million per year, forward Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck have made the decision to remain with the Jets in Winnipeg “for life.”
The two hockey players used these terms on Tuesday during the press conference they attended along with general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
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The accomplices were both picked up by the Manitoba organization. Their names have recently been at the center of rumors about who could have become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Both Scheifele and Hellebuyck have reiterated in recent months that they want to play for a team aiming for major honors. It seems that Cheveldayoff was able to convince them that this will be the case in Winnipeg.
“Connor and I are very competitive and want to win a trophy here,” said Scheifele. We have had several conversations with Chevy, with each other and with many of our teammates. Our goal is to win. We have to take a big step forward. I think we have a good team. I made friends for life in that locker room.”
For his part, Hellebuyck spoke of the importance of making this decision at the same time as the person who has shared his daily life since 2015-2016.
“It’s pretty rare for two guys to get involved like that,” the masked man said. I couldn’t wish to be associated with a better player. […] We will be a good example for the next generation. I hope the fans can see that we care about being here and that we love being here.”
For his part, Cheveldayoff confirmed that he had revealed his plan for the coming years to Scheifele and Hellebuyck, specifying that he wanted to build around them.
“These two have a desire to win and they want to win with the teammates they have here,” the GM added. It was music to my ears and it was the same for everyone in our organization.”