Connor Hellebuyck is Winnipeg's top active homegrown player.
It's no secret that Connor Hellebuyck is the Winnipeg Jets' top player. But to an outsider, the fact that he was chosen by the Jets in the 2012 NHL Draft and still remains in Manitoba's capital may come as a surprise.
With most star players at some point opting to explore the open market in search of greener pastures, the 2023-24 Vezina Trophy winner has remained rooted firmly in the Canadian prairies.
Which may or may not be a tough ask for a southern Michigan boy.
Hellebuyck, who spends the majority of his time standing on water - either frozen (by way of Zamboni, or that of natural winter temperatures) or out in the open on one of his boats or fishing docks, has fallen in love with the great outdoor scenes offered in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. So much so, that he often opts to stay north of the 49th parallel during NHL mandated holiday breaks to catch up on ice fishing, rather than returning to his hometown/country when given a few days off.
The same can be said of his contract negotiations.
Well known as one the league's very best goaltenders, Hellebuyck chose to extend with Winnipeg, despite most other outside opinions seeing him seek new scenery.
Last fall, the now 31-year-old backstop locked in with Winnipeg on a seven-year, $59.5 million extension to remain with the Jets through the 2030-31 NHL season.
His performance following that signing was the best of his career.
2023-24 saw some of Hellebuyck's greatest numbers: a 2.39 goals against average and a .921 save percentage to go alongside a 37-19-4 record and five shutouts.
No, his playoff season was not memorable this past spring, but the man drafted 130th overall in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Draft continues to shine as Winnipeg's very best homegrown player. One might even argue he is the top homegrown player within the entire NHL - certainly the best goaltender, and by far the best player ever selected at the 130 spot.