When Connor Hellebuyck signed his 6 year 37 million dollar deal before the 19-20 season, He was expected to carry the load in the crease for the forseeable future.
3.5 years later, he's at risk of losing his starting spot.
Hellebuyck hasn't been able to replicate the success of the 19-20 season and has been plagued by inconsistent play and an inability to beat teams that are seeded lower than the jets in the standings. Since starting 64 games in 19-20, has started no more than 53 games the last two season and a combined 46-48-12 record the past two years.
"We continue to have faith in Hellebuyck but at some point we're going to have to take a closer look at our options.
That option, is Ken Appleby.
When Pickard left for free agency, Appleby was brought back from the Moose to solidify the backup spot, an expectation to handle a few games and hopefully see Hellebuyck increase his workload to success. Appleby, this season, has gone a stellar 13-1-4 and sits one win behind Hellebuyck for the team lead. Appleby hasn't just beaten bottom feeding teams, he has gone toe to toe with some of the league's best.
With Appleby providing a solid option in net and Hellebuyck continuing to struggle, it could only be a matter of time that we see Appleby wrestling the #1 job from Connor and changing the future of the franchise.
Jets GM Duran Size has stated that he's not in a rush to make any kind of decision and that Hellebuyck is still considered the Franchise goalie..... for now
Hellebuyck is slated to face the Blues tonight!