Winnipeg Jets: Ondrej Pavelec Agrees to New 5-Year Deal

The Winnipeg Free Press has reported that the Winnipeg Jets and goaltender Ondrej Pavelec have agreed to a new five-year deal worth $19.5 million. This is a huge upgrade for Pavelec, who only made $1.3 million as the Winnipeg's starting goaltender last year.

After the Jets acquired goaltender Jonas Gustavsson from the Toronto Maple Leafs over the NHL draft weekend, nothing was set in stone as far as to who would be between the pipes for the upcoming season. However, after the extension given to Pavelec, one would have to speculate that he will once again be the guy called on this season.

Pavelec finished last year with a 29-28-9 record, 2.91 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. I recently ranked him as the 27th best goaltender entering next season.

The Jets now have two young goaltenders that they can rebuild around, and now need to focus on getting some depth in the scoring department. At the least, Winnipeg fans can rest a little easier knowing that their front office has found a guy who they believe will be the one to take them deep into the playoffs.

TSN hockey insider Bob McKensie tweeted that Pavelec's year-by-year payout will be $3.25 million, $3.5 million, $3.75 million, $4.25 million and $4.75 million.