--- title: "Jets lock in Skinner as Hellebuyck’s future stays up in the air" description: "Winnipeg adds a proven NHL backup on a two-year deal while leaving the door open for a Hellebuyck blockbuster." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/les-jets-pr-parent-l-apr-s-hellebuyck-avec-skinner-2cf88c76 published: 2026-07-03T07:13:29.222+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:13:29.222+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Jets lock in Skinner as Hellebuyck’s future stays up in the air > Winnipeg adds a proven NHL backup on a two-year deal while leaving the door open for a Hellebuyck blockbuster. The Winnipeg Jets have signed backup goalie Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract worth $3.75 million per season, locking in a proven NHL option as Connor Hellebuyck’s future remains unsettled. Skinner, 26, arrives after posting a .885 save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against average across 27 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2023-24. The deal covers the next two seasons and positions him as the primary insurance policy behind Hellebuyck, whose trade status has dominated offseason speculation. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff framed the move as a pragmatic step rather than a commitment to Hellebuyck’s timeline. “We need to be prepared for all scenarios,” Cheveldayoff said in a statement. “Skinner brings NHL-ready experience and stability, which gives us options as we evaluate the goaltending landscape.” The contract avoids long-term risk while ensuring Winnipeg isn’t forced into a reactive backup market. Financially, the $3.75 million cap hit strikes a balance between reliability and affordability. It allows the Jets to maintain significant maneuverability under the salary cap, whether they aim to retain Hellebuyck on an extension or absorb salary in a blockbuster trade. By securing a netminder capable of handling a heavier workload, Winnipeg avoids overpaying for a veteran stopgap in a thin free‑agent market, effectively insulating their roster construction from the volatility of goaltending negotiations. The move also acknowledges the shifting landscape of NHL goaltending, where teams increasingly rely on tandems rather than workhorses. Skinner’s performance, while inconsistent last season, provides a statistical baseline that suggests he can handle a heavier workload if called upon. If Hellebuyck is moved, Skinner offers a floor of competence that prevents a total collapse in net, whereas if Hellebuyck stays, the internal competition could elevate the starter's game. This dynamic creates pressure that management often prefers over the complacency of a guaranteed starter. What’s next: The Jets will enter training camp with Hellebuyck as the starter and Skinner as the clear backup. If Hellebuyck is moved before the season, Skinner slides into a larger role. If not, Winnipeg retains flexibility to explore further upgrades or retain both goalies. The next domino could fall as soon as the NHL Entry Draft in late June or during the summer trade window. By capping Skinner’s contract at $3.75 million, the Jets preserve cap room for potential extensions or trade deals, ensuring they can absorb a high‑salary Hellebuyck or a trade package without overcommitting. The two‑year term also gives the organization a short‑term safety net while keeping long‑term financial risk low. Skinner’s presence adds healthy competition to the net, potentially pushing Hellebuyck to maintain peak performance. It also offers the coaching staff a reliable backup who can step into a larger role if injuries or a trade occur, thereby keeping the team’s defensive structure intact during a period of uncertainty. ## Why this matters The Jets are buying stability in net while keeping their trade options fluid. Skinner’s deal ensures a high‑end backup is in place if Hellebuyck moves, but it also signals Winnipeg isn’t rushing a decision on its franchise goalie. In a volatile goalie market, this is a calculated hedge that preserves flexibility without overcommitting. ## Frequently asked ### How much is Stuart Skinner’s new contract worth? Skinner signed a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million. ### What were Skinner’s numbers last season? Skinner posted a .885 save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against average in 27 games for Pittsburgh in 2023-24. ### Why did the Jets sign Skinner now? The move insures against a potential Connor Hellebuyck trade while keeping trade leverage intact. It also secures a proven NHL backup for the upcoming season. ### Is Hellebuyck likely to be traded? The signing suggests the Jets are preparing for multiple scenarios, but no deal has been finalized. Hellebuyck’s status remains fluid as the team explores options. ### Could Skinner start if Hellebuyck is traded? Yes. Skinner’s contract and performance history make him the clear fallback option if Hellebuyck is moved before the season. ### How does this affect the Jets’ cap situation? The $3.75M AAV leaves ample room under the cap for extensions or trade deals, giving Winnipeg financial flexibility this summer. ## Sources & Citations - [Les Jets préparent l’après-Hellebuyck avec Skinner](https://www.rds.ca/hockey/lnh/article/les-jets-preparent-lapres-hellebuyck-avec-skinner/) — GNews.io (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Jets lock in Skinner as Hellebuyck’s future stays up in the air. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/les-jets-pr-parent-l-apr-s-hellebuyck-avec-skinner-2cf88c76