The Winnipeg Jets surprised many people this year when they won the Presidents' Trophy this year for having the most points in the league. Pundits and average fans across the country wrote the Jets off, and if you watched last year's playoff series against Colorado, could you really blame them?
It helps when you have the best goalie on the planet in Connor Hellebuyck. He was magnificent this year; he might be a unanimous selection for the Vezina and is the presumed frontrunner for the league MVP. However, Hellebuyck has underperformed yet again this postseason, and it has become a common theme.
The question is, why does Hellebuyck wilt like a daisy in the playoffs? That is a hard question to answer. Is it nerves? Is it a mental hurdle like Rory McIlroy at Augusta before this year? Or is it because Hellebuyck is exhausted?
I think it is the latter. He played 63 games this year, tied for the most in the league, but this is a common trend for the Jets. If Helly does not play, the Jets' chances of winning almost disappear. For anyone who argues against him being the MVP should ask themselves one question: how good are the Jets without Connor Hellebuyck?
How can the Penguins help?
Hellebuyck can benefit from taking more games off, maybe play 50 a year. Of the last 9 Cup champions, the starting goalie who lifted the Cup played an average of 48 games (lockout season not included). Now the data is slightly skewed because you have the Aidan Hill and Matt Murray years but if you eliminate those numbers, the average is still 53 games.
The Jets would be wise to give Hellebuyck more rest during the regular season,, and Jarry could be a legitimate option. Jarry has struggled but played significantly better after he was recalled from the AHL. He would take a load off Hellebuyck and ensure he is fresh come playoff time.
Nikolaj Ehlers
The Jets' biggest free agent is Nikolaj Ehlers, and Pittsburgh is a rumored destination for the 29-year-old center this offseason. I personally would avoid Ehlers at all cost, he will be 30 years old next year and will want a multi-year deal for at least $7 or $8 million a year. That would not make much sense for the Penguins. Yes, he makes them better, but does he make them a playoff team? No.