After the Winnipeg Jets announced a four-year contract extension for Paul Maurice, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff offered insight into what his head coach will be working with next season.
"Yes. Ondrej Pavelec is the number one goaltender going into next season." -Cheveldayoff.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 16, 2014
It's an interesting declaration to make, as Pavelec, 26, ranked dead last in the NHL among goalies with 41 or more starts with a save percentage of .901, a number that rose to .909 at even strength (as per Extra Skater) but still ranked as the worst mark among qualified keepers.
According to Hockey Reference, Pavelec ranks 24th out of 25 among active goalies over the past five seasons with a save percentage of .906, just ahead of Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers (.905).
With at least two goaltenders likely available via the trade market this offseason - James Reimer and Cam Ward - it seems quite possible to acquire an upgrade in net, or at least someone to challenge Pavelec for the starter's job.
The Jets have Pavelec under contract for another three seasons with a cap hit of $3.9-million, however, and appear prepared to give him every opportunity to turn things around.