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Pavelec leaves Czech Extraliga team, likely headed back to Winnipeg

Ondrej Pavelec

Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec deflects a Montreal Canadiens shot during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

AP

Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec has decided not to renew his contract with Czech Extraliga club Liberec, partly because of the prospect of a “saved” NHL season.

“I had a contract to Nov. 4,” Pavelec told iSport.cz (translation from Sportsnet). “Now that I saw that the NHL season could be saved, I think I’ll probably go back to Canada.”

The 25-year-old netminder wasted no time in finding work once the lockout began on Sept. 15. Within two days, he’d signed with Liberec -- a deal struck just months after the Jets gave him a five-year, $19.5 million deal.

Since inking with Winnipeg, things have not gone especially well. In July, Pavelec was charged with a DUI and his play with Liberec was spotty at best.

In 14 games he has a 3.50 GAA and .896 save percentage, though it should be noted he played extremely well while representing the Czech Republic in recent international play.