Ondrej Pavelec placed on waivers by Jets as rosters trimmed

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Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Ondrej Pavelec (31) stops the shot from Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. (John Woods/CP)

Ondrej Pavelec was placed on waivers by the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

The 29-year-old goaltender was among eight cuts to the Jets roster as the team continues to prepare for their season opener on Thursday at home against Carolina.

Pavelec is entering the final year of a five-year deal which was set to pay him US$4.75 million this season, with a cap hit of $3.9 million.

Pavelec had a 13-13-4 record in 33 games last season for Winnipeg with a 2.78 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. The Czech Republic native was beat out in training camp by Connor Hellebuyck and Michael Hutchinson, who both had strong pre-seasons.

The 23-year-old Hellebuyck, who was on Team North America’s World Cup of Hockey roster, was solid in his 26 starts last season for the Jets. He posted a 13-11-1 record with a 2.34 GAA and .918 save percentage.

Pavelec has spent his entire NHL career with the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise. He was selected in the second round, 41st overall, by the Thrashers in 2005.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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