Hellebuyck, Scheifele focusing on camp, not contracts

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2023 (745 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The futures of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and centre Mark Scheifele were the major focus as Winnipeg Jets training camp began Thursday.

Both drafted-and-developed stars are entering the final years of their contracts and can become unrestricted free agents on July 1 if new deals aren’t struck before then. With no extensions in place and no indication they could be on horizon, there’s been plenty of trade speculation swirling.

Not surprisingly, the prized pair was put on the spot following the Jets’ first on-ice session at the Hockey For All Centre.

“I’ve got an open mind. That’s about as clear as I can be, is I have an open mind to everything. I’ve made that clear from Day 1,” said Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy finalist who will make US$6.166 million this year.

“Rumours are crazy. You can’t believe everything you read. That being said I know you can break down my way and make a fun article based on what’s going on in this locker room, but at the end of the day I’m just here to win a Cup. And we have a good team and I do believe that.”

Hellebuyck, 30, believes there’s no urgency to the situation and is open to contract talks continuing throughout the coming season.

“I’m going to be patient. So, we’ll see how everything unfolds in the upcoming future, but I’m here, I’m a Jet, and I’m just going to try to win a Cup with this team,” he said.

“I see a lot of guys and a lot of improvement and I just see a lot of eagerness in this room to improve as a group and really give our all, and I want to be part of that. ”

Scheifele, 30, insisted the business side of the game isn’t on his mind.

“You know I have one year left on my deal and I’m here focusing on this team and helping this team succeed and really that’s my one focus,” Scheifele said.

“I’ve told them I’m open to staying and I’m definitely open to staying here. I’ve been a Winnipeg Jet for… this is my 13th camp, so it’s been a long time, enjoyed every day of it. You know I’m definitely open to staying.”

However, Scheifele claimed there hasn’t been much in the way of contract talks between his agent and the organization. He is coming off a career-high 42 goals last season and will make US$6.125 million this year.

“Honestly, I kind of let my agent handle all of that,” said Scheifele.

“You know, I just go about my summer, golf and work out and skate and whatever happens, happens. I trust in my representatives, I trust in the team (so) just go out and do my job.”

Hellebuyck and Scheifele spoke at length about other topics, including the loss of former captain Blake Wheeler and Pierre-Luc Dubois this summer, the addition of several new players in return for Dubois, the naming of Adam Lowry as new captain and how they believe this current roster is capable of a championship run.

“I love it here. I love the fans here. I love the city,” said Hellebuyck.

“It’s very outdoorsman, and that’s who I am. That being said, I don’t want to come and say to you guys something and then tomorrow it changes and it be different. I’m just going to leave it as I’m going to win a Cup and wherever I can win a Cup, I think is where I want to be.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg