In a league where patience runs out pretty quickly for unsuccessful experiments, the Winnipeg Jets have been sticking with Ondrej Pavelec through thick and thin. (OK, mostly thin.)
Aside from a depth move that may just complicate their backup situation in trading for Peter Budaj, the Jets are standing pat in net, even if Winnipeg’s lack of progress in this area sticks out like a sore thumb.
While it’s not exactly like head coach Paul Maurice has much of a choice, he’s backing up his 27-year-old netminder, as the Winnipeg Free-Press reports.
“The Pav thing... I guess I understand it when you start reading the stats from the last couple of years,” Maurice said.
” ... But when I showed up what I saw from the guy, he played pretty darn well in that stretch. He had a .947 (save percentage) in the first 14 games and I couldn’t understand the surprise at it.”
Simply put, Pavelec hasn’t come close to translating that work over a full season, even if his highlight reel saves tend to captivate. His career save percentage (.906) is basically “backup-level” stuff, and it’s not as if he’s winning despite those stats, either (113-125-35 career record).
With a $3.9 million cap hit that doesn’t expire until after the 2016-17 season, the feeling seems to be that the Jets are “stuck” with Pavelec. At least the organization’s getting pretty adept at spinning his struggles, though, right?
Past stories about Pavelec’s struggles
He wasn’t happy with his play (2012-13 edition)
Vote of confidence from GM Kevin Cheveldayoff heading into this offseason
He had a nightmarish time in the 2014 Winter Olympics, too