Panthers coach Paul Maurice says Connor Hellebuyck’s departure doesn’t mean Winnipeg is a bad place to play. The former Jets coach pointed to the players who remain, including captain Adam Lowry, and said team success shapes how a market feels to players and fans. He believes Winnipeg still has a strong team despite losing its longtime star goalie.

By the Numbers
  • Maurice coached Winnipeg from 2014 to 2021.
  • Hellebuyck joined the NHL in 2015 and will turn 34 next year.
  • The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy a couple of years ago.
Yes, But

Prominent Jets departures have sometimes ended badly, and losing an elite goaltender is a significant blow. Maurice argued, however, that player departures happen across the league and that Winnipeg’s fortunes are not defined by one exit.

State of Play
  • Maurice was in Winnipeg to coach the Panthers against his former team.
  • Hellebuyck was slated to make his Devils debut against Dallas at the same time.
  • Maurice urged fans to celebrate the Jets who are still with the team.
Bottom Line

Hellebuyck’s exit is a major loss, but Maurice sees no reason to write off Winnipeg—or conclude that players no longer want to be there.