NHL News: Hellebuyck, Schneider, McKegg, Gauthier, and Despres
Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets agree on a six-year contract extension.
Jets lock up Connor Hellebuyck

NHL.com: The Winnipeg Jets avoided salary arbitration with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and locked him up to a six-year contract worth $37 million – a $6.167 million salary cap hit.

The 25-year old Vezina finalist was 44-11-9 with a 2.36 GAA, .924 SV percentage and six shutouts in 67 games last season.

Scott Billeck: Hellebuyck now carries the six highest salary cap hit for goaltenders.

Carey Price ($10.5 million AAV)
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.5 million AAV)
Sergei Bobrovsky ($7.425 million AAV)
Tuukka Rask  ($7 million AAV)
Pekka Rinne ($7 million AAV)

Cory Schneider Progressing …

Matt Loughlin: New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero said that goaltender Cory Schneider is progressing well from his offseason surgery, but they aren’t sure if he’ll be ready for the start of training camp.

Hurricanes sign McKegg …

Renaud Lavoie: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Greg McKegg to a one-year, two-way deal for $715,000.

Maple Leafs re-sign Gauthier …

Chris Johnston: The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed center Frederik Gauthier to a two-year contract extension worth $1.35 million – a $675,000 salary cap hit.

He’ll make $650,000 in the NHL this year, $100,000 in the AHL with $150,000 guaranteed this season.

For next year he’ll $700,000 in the NHL this year, $100,000 in the AHL with $200,000 guaranteed.

Despres gets a PTO from the Canadiens …

Stephen Whyno: The Montreal Canadiens have given defenseman Simon Despres a PTO. Despres played in the KHL last season after missing most of 2016-17 with a concussion.

Behind the scenes of the Montreal Canadiens: 2018 NHL Draft