The Winnipeg Jets are moving on from longtime starter Ondrej Pavelec, as Kevin Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports he’ll hit waivers on Monday. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca added it’s not 100% certain Pavelec will accept his AHL demotion.
Turns out my gut feeling about Ondrej Pavelec was wrong. Sources say the longtime #NHLJets starting goalie will be placed on waivers today
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) October 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/785500960735002628
Pavelec has been with the Jets for five seasons (and with Atlanta for four more) and has been the starting goaltender for most of that time. The 29-year-old has never posted fantastic numbers, with a career .907 save percentage. In 2015-16, Pavelec went 13-13-4, with a 2.78 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Since 2014, he ranks 43rd among 61 qualified goaltenders (with at least 2,000 minutes played) with a .918 even strength save percentage. Pavelec is below replacement level and the Jets finally realized it.
The Czech Republic native started in Winnipeg almost by default with no better options early in his tenure. With the recent emergence of Connor Hellebuyck and a capable backup in Michael Hutchison, Pavelec was expendable. Entering the final season of his five-year, $19.5 million deal signed in 2012, the Jets decided it was better to cut him loose than have him in goal.
It’s unlikely a team puts a waiver claim on Pavelec considering his poor recent track record and high salary. Should he refuse his assignment to the minors, Pavelec might move on to a new destination. The Jets could eat some salary to help a trade, but it’s doubtful many teams are lining up to add him. Playing overseas, should an NHL opportunity not arise, seems like a safe bet.
