Jets pending UFAs speak out as training camp begins in Winnipeg.
The Winnipeg Jets' most rumoured offseason distractions have seemingly come to the understanding that they will be playing the 2023-24 season - or at least the first part of it - in Winnipeg.
On Thursday, Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele met with local media following their first official skate of Jets' training camp at Hockey For All Centre.
Both on the final years of their contracts with unrestricted free agency pending following season's end, the two took questions in stride in their first availabilities since rumours began flying in the offseason.
Hellebuyck, to whom is looking for a bounce-back campaign following a 37-25-2 2022-23 regular season, took a familiar stance.
"I have an open mind," the Jets' No. 1 backstop said when asked about the possibility of staying in Winnipeg long-term. "I'm not closing the door to anyone. I'm going to look anywhere that I think can win a Cup. I know this locker room can win a Cup. That's my main goal and my main focus."
The 30-year-old did not seem as positive following the team's early postseason departure last spring, but seemingly has come around to the slight possibility of putting pen to paper in a 'winning city'.
"I love it here," he added. "I love the fans here and I love the city. It's very outdoorsman and that's who I am. That being said, I don't want to come and say something to you guys and then tomorrow it changes and it being something different. So, I'm just going to leave it as I'm going to win a Cup wherever I can win a Cup, and that's where I'm going to be."
Scheifele, also 30, spoke for his first time since openly stating his uncertainty related to his hockey playing future. Much like that of his long-time teammate, the veteran centreman is willing to work things out in the only NHL city he has known.
"I've told them I'm open to staying," Scheifele said. "I'm definitely open to staying. I've been a Winnipeg Jet for 13 years. This is my 13th camp, so It's been a long time. I've enjoyed every day of it. I'm definitely open to staying."
“I’m a competitor,” he added. “I want to win a Stanley Cup. That’s everyone’s goal is to win a Stanley Cup. That never changes.”
But when asked about the possibility of a contract extension before his current deal runs out at season's end, the Jets' leading scorer from last season (42 goals) said that remains up in the air.
"There haven't really been any talks at all," Scheifele smiled. "So I'm just being a hockey player."
And from Hellebuyck's side, the contract negotiations are also seemingly out of his hands and rightfully out of his control.
“We still have time,” the eight-year NHL vet said. “If it drags on and it becomes a distraction, well then we handle it. But as of now it’s no distraction in my eyes.”