The Winnipeg Jets signed goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth $3.75 million per season. That’s not backup money. And it might be the clearest signal yet that Connor Hellebuyck’s time in Manitoba is running out.
Skinner, 27, spent the last two seasons as Edmonton’s starter, taking the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final twice. But his inconsistency — particularly against Florida — led to a midseason trade to Pittsburgh in 2025-26. He posted a 2.99 goals-against average over 27 games with the Penguins. Now he’s in Winnipeg on a deal that looks a lot like a potential 1A/1B split, not a traditional backup role.
Hellebuyck’s season turned things sideways
The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25 largely because Hellebuyck played like a Hart Trophy candidate. But last season, the team took a significant step back. Meanwhile, Hellebuyck backstopped Team USA to a gold medal at the Olympics. Multiple American players from that team have reportedly requested trades this offseason, and Hellebuyck could be next.
He hasn’t formally asked out, but his name has been floating around trade rumors for months. The Jets needed a goalie to back him up after Eric Comrie’s contract expired. But if that was the only goal, they could have signed a cheaper veteran like David Rittich or Petr Mrazek. Instead they gave Skinner $3.75 million. That’s a lot for a guy you plan to sit 50 games.
Trade talks hitting walls
On Wednesday, reports indicated the New Jersey Devils are out on Hellebuyck. There was also chatter that he waived his no-movement clause for a trade to Buffalo, but the Sabres couldn’t get it done. So where does that leave him? It’s possible he starts next season in Winnipeg. But the Skinner signing makes that feel less likely by the day.
The Jets are clearly preparing for a future without their franchise goalie. Whether that future starts this summer or at the trade deadline is still unclear.
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