Jets Season Preview: Brossoit returns to lessen load on Hellebuyck

Let’s face it, the Winnipeg Jets simply couldn’t trust David Rittich last season.

That’s why Connor Hellebuyck had to start 64 games, including 13 straight down the stretch to ensure the team backdoored into the playoffs.

That’s a problem the Jets shouldn’t encounter this year.

Laurent Brossoit’s re-addition to the fold on July 1 was a big deal, even if he’s only the backup.

After a couple of seasons away following three straight in Winnipeg, Brossoit underwent hip surgery last season, missing most of it, only to return and outduel Hellebuyck in the first round of the playoffs en route to helping the Vegas Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup.

Brossoit is eagerly awaiting his nifty championship ring and already got to parade the Cup around his old stomping grounds with his name etched on its hallowed rings.

Hellebuyck would like to be in the same boat a year from now, stating that his only goal left as an NHLer is to lift what Brossoit already has.

Brossoit returns to help aid in that effort, affording the Jets a trustworthy option they can tap to lessen Hellebuyck’s hefty workload.

In an ideal world, the Jets would have a fresh Hellebuyck for any playoff run they might embark on and Brossoit fits in almost as a 1B to Hellebuyck’s 1A.

Seeing Brossoit start 25 games, then, isn’t out of the question.

There will be few other tandems across the NHL that, heading into the regular season, have better odds at winning the William Jennings Trophy as the league’s best goaltending duo than Hellebuyck and Brossoit.

If you’re the type to wager, there might be some good odds out there for this one.

They might as well eat, sleep and train together. They share agents, They work out with some of the same trainers.

They complement each other well. Very harmonious.

Hellebuyck appears to be a Jets lifer, with the ink still drying on a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension signed on Monday.

It can’t be understated how big of a win that is for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and the team.

There are few goalies that have been battle-tested and emerged on top than Hellebuyck since entering the league. No one has played more games. No one has seen more shots.

And through it all, Hellebuyck has been a three-time Vezina finalist, winning the coveted award in 2020. He’s accomplished all of that on teams that regularly marooned him in deep waters with no life preserver.

He could have hit the open market, but the grass isn’t always greener, even if there was a potential for more greenbacks.

One of the most interesting things Hellebuyck said Tuesday, meeting with the media for the first time since signing his new deal, was he feels the Jets believe in him just as much as he believes in himself.

There’s certainly a comfort level at play here. Hellebuyck made certain to thank Jets goaltending coach Wade Flaherty, who has helped Hellebuyck tremendously when it comes to achieving his personal goals.

Brossoit and Flaherty share a great relationship, too.

As with almost every year the Jets have entered the season with Hellebuyck as their No. 1, there’s not much to worry about.

And now there’s even less so when it comes to nights where Hellebuyck needs some rest.

With no contract distraction hanging over his head, Hellebuyck can keep his focus solely on that Stanley Cup goal.

Connor Hellebuyck stats

2022-23 record: 37-25-2
Game starts: 64
Save percentage: .920
5-on-5 save percentage: .926
Goals-against average: 2.49
Goals saved above expected: 19.99

Laurent Brossoit stats

2022-23 record: 7-0-3
Game starts: 10
Save percentage: .927
5-on-5 save percentage: .939
Goals-against average: 2.17
Goals saved above expected: 5.25