Future Watch: Connor Hellebuyck Hockey Rookie Cards, Winnipeg Jets – Goalies are a different breed of hockey player. They generally take a long time to develop and earn the right to play in the NHL. Often times, when they do make it to the show, they may take a few more years to win or steal a job. Connor Hellebuyck is one of those goalies. He’s never played a minute in the NHL but at 22-years old that could change this season.
Hellebuyck originally starred at UMass Lowell. After two seasons he left college for the AHL and the St. John’s Ice Caps. Last season he managed to get six shutouts and a stellar .921 save percentage. He didn’t get any playoff games under his belt but Team USA was watching.
This summer, he played in the World Championships and was their #1 goalie. Playing against a lot of players from the NHL had to give the Winnipeg Jets a glimpse into the potential future. Now he’s going to get a shot to make the team out of training camp.
Hellebuyck was a 5th round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He has size at 6′-4″, speed and great mechanics. Now is it a guarantee he plays in an NHL game this season? No, but he won’t have to and he can still get his first NHL card.
The NHLPA has rules about players getting their first cards. If a goaltender dresses but remains on the bench, he is still eligible for inclusion in NHL licensed sets as a rookie. Many times, a backup doesn’t get into a game and the NHL and NHLPA recognize that so goalies have a different rule than everyday players.
In a few weeks Hellebuyck will be at the 2015 NHLPA Rookie Showcase. He will sign cards and get photographed. Then Upper Deck will just wait until they can include him in an NHL set. For now, you can get his only professionally licensed autograph card in the 2014-15 Upper Deck AHL set.
Here are some highlights of this talented netminder:
For now, at least, collectors have no choice but to wait, but that wait won’t be much longer.
Future Watch: Connor Hellebuyck Hockey Rookie Cards, Winnipeg Jets – Image Gallery
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