Jets sign Scheifele and Hellebuyck to matching long-term deals

This just in, the Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to matching seven year contracts worth $8.5 million a piece.

More to come on this developing story, but suffice it to say that this is a shocking development in Winnipeg. Again, more to come.

Both Scheifele and Hellebuyck were set to become unrestricted free agents after this upcoming season and, as such, were expected to traded at some point for future assets. After all, both players have poured their heart and soul into the Jets for their entire careers and, frankly, haven't experienced much success. With the Jets seemingly on the way out of their competitive window, most fans and analysts felt that the pair would move on elsewhere in search of a big money deal with a more contending team. Evidently though, they feel that Winnipeg has more to offer, which frankly is kind of refreshing.

With a top center, a top goalie and a top defenseman in Josh Morrissey all signed to long-term deals, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff now has something solid to build around. If he can convince more high end secondary players and role players to commit to this team, then he'll have the nucleus or a roster that can compete for a playoff spot year in and year out. If, however, he fails to stock the cupboards and he rides Hellebuyck into the ground then these deals could age poorly. As it stands right now though, I think this is a big, BIG win for the Jets franchise and for the team's fanbase.