News and Analysis: Pavelec placed on IR, Melchiori re-called

The Winnipeg Jets have announced that goaltender Ondrej Pavelec has been placed on IR (retroactive to February 7th). In a corresponding move, the club announced the re-call of Julien Melchiori, who was sent to the Moose on February 10th. 

Here’s all you need to know about today’s transaction.

Pavelec’s been sidelined since February 7th and with his IR designation retroactive to that date, Pavelec can be activated off IR any day. Pavelec has posted a .888 save percentage and a 3.55 goals against average in his eight starts with the Jets this season. Throughout that tenure, Connor Hellebuyck has taken a back seat and has had his workload decreased in the process. With Pavelec on the sidelines, Hellebuyck will now have an opportunity to re-assert himself as the Jets starting goaltender going forward. 

A complicated component to Pavelec being out is how it hinders his trade value. While Pavelec doesn’t seem like an attractive trade option at first glance, a team desperate for goaltending help could trade for a healthy Pavelec when the trade deadline approaches.  It’s unlikely the Jets will retain Pavelec beyond this season and with that said, if the team can acquire some value instead of having him walk for nothing, that’s a win of a deal. 

Melchiori returns to the Jets after being sent to the Moose a mere four days ago. Melchiori has established himself as the Jets go-to call-up on the back end while suiting up for four NHL games this year.