Connor Hellebuyck Set for Thursday Start Amidst Contract Year and Strong Career Performance

Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start Thursday's game in Seattle, following his usual routine. The 30-year-old (soon to be 31) netminder is entering the final season of his six-year deal and is expected to play over 60 games, accumulating many victories. Last season, he reached 60 games, matched his 37-win total, posted a 2.39 GAA (his best since 2017-18), and recorded five shutouts, though his postseason was challenging with a .864 save percentage. With Laurent Brossoit gone, Hellebuyck's workload may increase, backed by Eric Comrie or Kaapo Kahkonen. A top-tier fantasy goalie, he previously won the Vezina Trophy with a 31-21-5 record and .922 SV%, and in 2017-18, he secured a 44-win season with a .924 SV% before signing his current contract.