Unrestricted free agents next summer, Winnipeg Jets stars Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele do not want to promise anything for the future.
The star cerberus Hellebuyck remained measured. He is not opposed to a long-term contract extension, but he preferred not to compromise.
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“I’m going to be patient,” the 30-year-old goalkeeper told journalists in comments relayed Thursday by the Sportsnet network. We’ll see how everything goes in the future, but I’m here, I’m a Jet and I’m just going to try to win a cup with this team.
“I feel like if I say something now, it might change tomorrow,” he continued. That’s the business side of things. I’m open minded. I’m not closing the door anywhere. I’m going to look for any place that I think can win a cup, and I know this locker room can win a cup.”
Same story for veteran Scheifele, even if he assures that it is not the first of his concerns at the moment.
“I have one year left on my contract and I’m here to focus on this team, to help it succeed, and that’s really my only goal,” said the forward. I told them I was willing to stay. This is my 13th camp, so it’s been a long time and I’ve enjoyed every day of it, and I’m definitely willing to stay.”
In short, nothing seems to be set in stone for the moment. The club’s general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, must greatly hope that his colts have an excellent season, which could convince the two stars to continue the adventure in Manitoba.
Last year, Scheifele had 68 points in 81 games. In Hellebuyck’s case, he had a 37-25-2 record, a 2.49 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.