Get the dirt on Mud Jets new backup Stevenson ‘stoked’ to be in tandem with Skinner By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 4:23 PM CDT Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026

It didn’t take long to get the dirt on the newest member of the Winnipeg Jets.

Meet Clay Stevenson, who has no problem if you prefer to refer to him by his long-standing nickname of “Mud.”

“You know, Clay is in the mud, and there you go. That’s it, right there,” Stevenson said Wednesday with a laugh. “I got it in juniors when I was playing in Coquitlam, and kind of stuck ever since.”

Stevenson is now hoping to make a name for himself in a city that, quite fittingly, translates to “muddy water” in Cree. The 27-year-old from Alberta was placed on waivers by the Washington Capitals and claimed by the Jets, who were looking to clarify a goaltending situation which was as murky as the Red River.

“He’s been on our radar,” head coach Scott Arniel said following the team’s practice at Hockey For All Centre as the club prepares for Friday’s season-opener against the Boston Bruins.

“I know through Flats (goalie coach Wade Flaherty), and our scouts, that was a name that I heard a while ago. We knew that there could be a possibility with the way Washington was kind of where they’re at. It worked out. We feel very fortunate that we got him.”

Stevenson immediately steps into the role as backup to the other new masked man in town, Stuart Skinner, as the Jets try to move on from Connor Hellebuyck.

“We feel very fortunate that we got him.”

He needs no introduction to his new job share partner.

“I’ve been pretty good friends with (Skinner) for the past few years, and we’ve been training together in Kelowna,” said Stevenson.

“I was definitely super stoked to get here and tandem with him. It’s been incredible. See some good chemistry.”

Stevenson’s professional resumé is impressive, even if it lacks polish at the NHL level.

The 6-4, 195-pound puck stopper has gone 63-31-9 with a 2.50 goals against average, .909 save percentage and nine shutouts over parts of four seasons with the Hershey Bears, which included winning the Calder Cup in 2024. His path to full-time work with the Capitals was blocked by No. 1 man Logan Thompson and his backup Charlie Lindgren.

Stevenson has appeared in five big league games so far, going 3-2-0 with a 2.60 GAA and .906 SV%. He’s going to get the chance to build on that with the Jets, who weren’t ready to hand over the reins to prospects Dom DiVincentiis or Thomas Milic just yet.

“It means the world, just to have this opportunity and be able to showcase myself at this level,” said Stevenson. “And to come up to Canada means a lot. Back in God’s country. I’m from Alberta, and it’s a blessing to be here, that’s for sure.”

Stevenson said he was prepared to go back to Hershey and continue grinding away if none of the other 31 NHL teams had put in a claim.

“I always say a thing: If you’re in a dark forest, you can’t get out until you just look down and take your first step,” he said. “I just try to be present wherever I am.”

However, he does feel he’s ready to take a big step forward — especially now working under the tutelage of Flaherty, who was brought out the best in Hellebuyck and previous backups such as Eric Comrie and Laurent Brossoit.

“He definitely seems so dialed in there. Has a great personality. Seems super easy to talk to. So smart about goaltending,” said Stevenson.

“I couldn’t be happier to get going here.”

“I actually met him briefly this summer as well. I’ve heard so many good things, and I was really excited to get up here and start really working with him.”

Stevenson trains with renowned goalie guru Adam Francilia, whose many masked clients include Hellebuyck.

“I started working with him when I signed (with Washington) out of college. The past five summers now have just been incredible. My body has changed for the better,” he said.

“I feel like I’m in the best goaltending shape of my life. Body is strong and performs well and is super mobile and powerful. I can pull strength from really deep end ranges, and that’s the kind of stuff we work on. A lot of core and a lot of balance. That guy has been incredible for my mentals.”

Stevenson described himself as a “chameleon” who is quickly able to adapt to any and all situations, something he credits from a childhood which included attending 13 different schools as his parents moved around.

He’s already heard about the warm welcome Skinner has received from Jets fans — who was serenaded with “Stuuuu” after every save in his pre-season debut at Canada Life Centre.

Might we soon be hearing some “Mud” chants at the downtown rink?

“I’ve wanted to see this building since I started playing pro. The fans here seem incredible,” said Stevenson. “I can’t wait to maybe start building more relationships with them. I couldn’t be happier to get going here.”

Hellebuyck hiatus continues

Hellebuyck’s wildcat strike is now starting to impact his bank account.

NHL players start getting paid as soon as the NHL season begins, which happened officially on Tuesday. That means Winnipeg’s three-time Vezina Trophy winner — who has demanded a trade to an American team — is losing the equivalent of US$39,000 per day.

Arniel was asked on Wednesday if the ongoing stalemate is going to become a distraction with the puck about to drop on the 2026-27 campaign.

“At the end of the day, and I’m not looking for an easy out, but I have to focus on our 23 guys. I can’t focus on who’s not here and our group feels the exact same way,” said Arniel.

“They understand it. Now they realize it. It’s reality. We have two goaltenders in camp. Now we’re ready to go and we’re gonna back them. We’re gonna play as a group and we gotta look after ourselves and make sure that we do everything possible for the Winnipeg Jets.”

Do the Jets have a Plan B should Hellebuyck suddenly decide to report to the club, which would be within his right?

“Nope,” Arniel replied.

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