Mark Scheifele declined to weigh in on how Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request unfolded.
But while speaking at the NHL media tour in Las Vegas, the Jets forward made clear that, as a friend and teammate, he would prefer Hellebuyck remain in Winnipeg.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
“At the end of the day, he’s still a Jet right now, and that’s not my job to focus on that,” Scheifele said. “My job is to just be a hockey player and do that. As a friend, obviously I want him on my team. He’s a fantastic goaltender and one of, if not the best goalie in the league.”
Hellebuyck’s trade request has naturally raised questions about the Jets’ immediate outlook and the belief of the other cornerstone players who committed to the organization in pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Asked whether the situation had shaken his own faith in the franchise’s ability to reach that goal, Scheifele said he remains confident in the group.
“I believe in this group. I believe in the team and the organization,” he said. “We have so many great players on our team, and we’ve gotten younger and faster and have added some pieces. So I believe in this team.”
Scheifele said his focus is on being the best player he can be and “rewrite what happened last year” with a better season.
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