The Winnipeg Jets announced Thursday that they've signed star goalie and 2018 Vezina Trophy nominee Connor Hellebuyck to a six-year extension worth $37 million

The 25-year-old Hellebuyck had a breakout season in 2017-18, going 44-11-9 with a 2.36 goals against average, .924 save percentage and six shutouts. Hellebuyck's heroics helped Winnipeg win its first two playoff series since relocating two years ago.

The Jets reached the Western Conference Final before being dispatched by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Hellebuyck went 9-8 in the playoffs with a .236 goals against average and .922 save percentage.

Hellebuyck put the league on notice with impressive efforts against the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators in the playoffs. Winnipeg was able to upset the Preds - the Presidents' Trophy winners - in seven games, thanks to Hellebuyck's amazing performance throughout.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff deserves plenty of credit for being able to get Hellebuyck under contract on a team-friendly deal. CapFriendly.com indicates that they have just under $20.64 million left in cap space, which can be reused to re-sign defenceman Jacob Trouba, captain Blake Wheeler (UFA next year), and multiple RFAs, including Brandon Tanev and Josh Morrissey.

via Sportsnet

In re-signing Hellebuyck, the Jets have most of their core locked up long term. This includes Mark Scheifele, Dustin Byfuglien, Bryan Little and Nikolaj Ehlers. Wheeler, Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine will need big raises next year, so Cheveldayoff will have to try and find a way to sign them all long-term.

Hellebuyck is only 25 years of age and is coming off a season in which he was nominated for the Vezina Trophy - which Pekka Rinne wound up winning. There are plenty of great seasons ahead for Hellebuyck, and the Jets surely must be thankful that he took a hometown discount.

Now, expectations for Hellebuyck are higher as he tries to lead the Jets to their very first Stanley Cup.

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