What Happened
Paul Maurice, back in Winnipeg with the Florida Panthers to face his former team on Tuesday, was asked about Connor Hellebuyck's trade demand and his deal to the New Jersey Devils last week. Maurice said the players in the Jets room love playing in Winnipeg and cited captain Adam Lowry as an example. He coached the Jets from 2014 to 2021 and was behind the bench when Hellebuyck broke into the league in 2015.
Key Details
- Hellebuyck requested a trade and was dealt to New Jersey last week.
- Maurice coached Winnipeg from 2014 to 2021 and Hellebuyck from 2015.
- Maurice pointed to captain Adam Lowry as a player who values Winnipeg.
- Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor all signed extensions with the Jets.
- Maurice said player departures feel personal in every market, not just Winnipeg.
What It Means
Maurice's comments address the perception that Winnipeg struggles to retain star players after Hellebuyck's exit. He noted that Hellebuyck, Scheifele and Connor all signed extensions with the small-market club, and he pointed to the current core rather than the departures. His history with the franchise, including a 2023 wish for the Jets to win the Stanley Cup, gives the defense added weight.