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Home , Blake Wheeler, Connor Hellebuyck, Connor McDavid, Nikolaj Ehlers, Patrik Laine

Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/laine-ehlers-are-two-of-a-kind- 468717183.html

Laine, Ehlers are two of a kind Young Jets stars tied for team lead in goals scored

By: Jason Bell

CHICAGO — Anything he can do, Nikolaj can do better. Patrik can do anything better than him.

Or something like that.

The friendly rivalry between young stars Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine is beginning to take on a life of its own, as the two share the team -scoring lead after Tuesday’s 7-4 victory over the .

Ehlers fired a pair of goals, both coming on quick releases from the left faceoff dot that found space just below the bar. Laine opened the scoring on an innocent-looking wrist from well out that tucked in behind a well-screened Robin Lehner in the Sabres’ net.

Both players snapped extended scoring slumps and have 19 goals apiece through 44 games of the 2017-18 NHL campaign.

The competition is most definitely on.

Ehlers, 21, from Aalborg, Denmark, plays left wing on the team’s second line with centre Bryan Little and right-winger , and he tends to feign ignorance on the subject of who holds the scoring edge on any particular day. However, Laine, 19, from Tampere, Finland, playing on the right side on the No. 1 line with centre and , can offer a spot-on update, if prompted.

When one’s being questioned by reporters about the battle for sniping supremacy, the other is usually lurking nearby to either defend against the dig invariably coming his way or go on the offensive and lob a verbal grenade, instead.

"I don’t even know how many goals (Laine) has right now, but he definitely knows," Ehlers said, offering a not-so-subtle shot at his buddy’s competitive side, following the win in Buffalo.

"We make fun of each other all the time. Sometimes, when he’s not doing well I chirp him and then he chirps me, so it’s all fun. I think he said I have more goals than him now, I’m not sure if that’s true."

When informed they’re all square, the explosive left-winger plucked by the Jets ninth overall in the 2014 NHL simply said, "I’ll get him."

Clearly, if the NHL team wasn’t chalking up victories with regularity, any public discussion between the two about their offensive statistics would be kept on the down low.

But with points in the standings being gobbled up, there’s room for some playful banter between the two Europeans that makes its way to the public.

Laine’s power-play tally, his 11th this season, came on a low shot with Connor providing the screen.

Goals matter to the second-year right-winger, who’s looking to eclipse the mark of 36 goals in 73 games he produced during a phenomenal rookie season in Winnipeg.

Laine, selected second overall in the 2016 NHL draft, knows he’s in a dead heat with his road- trip roomie and regular video-game opponent, who stands four inches shorter and is 30 pounds lighter.

His vision, like his remarkable cannon of a shot, is deadly accurate.

"I think it went straight in. I don’t care what he says, I know it went straight in," Laine said playfully, when a suggestion was made Connor might have tipped the puck before it went in Tuesday night. "But he made a nice screen."

Indeed, Laine and Ehlers, the Jets’ own version of Frick and Frack, have carved out a special bond in a city far from their homes, while still, in many respects, finding their footing in the best hockey league in the world.

Their styles couldn’t be more different.

While Ehlers tends to do his thing with plenty of pizzazz, Laine is all about pure power. The Jets organization and its fans will have years to watch and marvel at the progression of the exciting forwards.

Just days before the start of the season, Ehlers agreed to terms on a seven-year, US$42-million contract extension that should keep him in a Jets jersey until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Laine, meanwhile, completes the final season of a three-year entry-level deal at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.

If his trajectory continues as expected, he’ll be in line for the largest contract in Jets history.

Judging by what a few of the game’s brightest young stars will earn — the Oilers’ Connor McDavid cashes in US$12.5 million a year, Sabres centre earns US$10 million per, and the Oilers’ makes US$8.5 million annually — Laine’s starting ask could be US$80 million over eight years.

Jets head coach noted the closeness of the talented snipers, and their commitment to push each are intangibles that make them better players and serve to strengthen a team on the fast track to success.

"They love playing in Winnipeg, playing for the Jets. To have young players come in and get off on a right track and have a friend right away, it’s no different than the first day of school for kids. You want to come in, be accepted by the group," Maurice said.

"They’ve got a real great friendship on the bench, they’re accepted by everybody else. That’s true of all of the players, but having that be a positive experience for a young player, that they have someone to play video games with and enjoy (hockey) is really important."

Winnipeg continues a three-game road trip Friday night against the , and then heads to St. Paul, Minn., for a Saturday night battle with the Wild. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/wheeler-hellebuyck-named--all-stars- 468691983.html

Wheeler, Hellebuyck named NHL all-stars

By: Jason Bell

CHICAGO — Back in October, pointing to Blake Wheeler as a 2017-18 NHL all-star wouldn't have been out of the realm of possibility. But what about Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck, whose introduction to life as a starter last season went about as smoothly as a city back lane in winter.

On Wednesday, the league invited both Jets to attend the big weekend for the game's greats later this month in Tampa Bay, Fla.

The Winnipeg and the club's No. 1 were selected to play for the Central Division's team at the all-star mini-tournament on Jan. 28. Both are having sensational seasons for the Jets (26-11-7), who hold top spot in the division and a three- lead over the .

It's the first time either player has been named a league all-star.

On Wednesday, Wheeler the dad sounded like he's going to enjoy the all-star weekend more than Wheeler the hockey player.

"Well, as you get older it's something you can share with your family," he said, noting his young son is pumped up about the Florida getaway. "Louie's pretty excited. It's a cool experience for him. That's what makes it special, to be able to share it with your family. It's in a pretty cool place this year. It'll be exciting."

Wheeler, 31, is in his 10th season in the NHL and eighth with the Jets franchise. A steady offensive performer for the club since it relocated from Atlanta prior to the 2011-12 season, the Minnesotan started strong on the wing with centre this year and has elevated his game since he moved to the middle when Scheifele got hurt just after Christmas.

He's tied for second in the league in points (52) and assists (38), is currently on a seven-game point streak and has 11 points (5G, 6A) during that stretch.

The Jets had an off day after downing the host Buffalo Sabres 7-4 Tuesday night. Speaking with reporters at a downtown Chicago hotel, Wheeler tried to deke around questions about the career year he's having offensively and his role as a driver on the surging club.

Instead, he spoke of the influences of those around him in the organization that led to his all-star selection.

"I think it's a testament to our team. I play with a lot of really good guys and have had a lot of great opportunities, and these things happen when you get those great opportunities," said Wheeler, said the 6-5, 225 forward currently centring the club's top line with Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor. "The recognition is great, but at the end of the day it's more about where we're at as a group and I think that's what's given us a lot of excitement this year.

"I play a lot of minutes, play with really good players since we've been back and I give that as much credit, moreso than giving credit to myself. I've worked on my game a lot to get better every year. Where that stacks up in the league, that's not for me to debate. But I've been blessed to have a coach like Paul Maurice to push me, learned a lot from him and I think my game has gotten better every year having a guy like him behind the bench."

Meanwhile, the remarkable turnaround season for Hellebuyck continues. The 24-year-old from Michigan, in his third season in the league, is third in the NHL in wins (23) and tied for fourth in shutouts (three).

Among with a minimum of 15 games played, he ranks second in winning percentage (.788), seventh in goals-against average (2.36) and 10th in save percentage (.923).

Last season, he struggled at times with consistency — he was pulled early no fewer than eight times — but he's been a pillar of strength for the Jets in the '17-18 bounce-back campaign.

"It’s awesome. It’s a big accomplishment in my life. Me and my family will enjoy it and (Wheeler) will enjoy it as well," said Hellebuyck, a big man in the cage at 6-4, 210 pounds.

"(Confidence) is high. It’s exactly where it was last year, but now I can really trust it. The guys in front of me can see it, they can feel it. They’re helping it a lot because they’re playing so well. You can see in the details of our game. Everybody is doing the right thing. They’re not cheating at all and that’s really helping me a lot."

The all-star game will once again feature a three-game tournament, played in a three-on-three format, showcasing teams from each division competing for a US$1-million winner-take-all prize pool.

Traditionally, goalies get roasted, but Hellebuyck already has a plan in place to get some good karma going.

"It’s going to be tough, obviously. But I think I’m going to look for a big glove save and, hopefully, I can get the crowd on my side... cheer my name."

Wheeler said Hellebuyck doesn't have to go out of his way to impress anyone in Tampa Bay; he's been doing that since he took over the net the second week of the season.

"He was pretty young to be given the starting role last year. It was a big challenge for him. I don't think anyone ever wrote him off or lost confidence in him. Everyone was excited to see what he could do this year and he's taken the ball and run with it," said Wheeler. "He's had just an incredible year. We're not where we are right now without him. He's been the biggest difference in our team this year getting to where we're going, and he's going to have a huge impact, ultimately, where we end up going this year."

Wheeler admitted he's not eager to participate in the skills competition the day before the game.

"Guys like me can make themselves look pretty bad at those things. Hopefully, they hide me. I don't want to be in any foot races with Connor McDavid."

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/wheeler-hellebuyck-named-nhl-all-stars

Wheeler, Hellebuyck named NHL All-Stars

By Ken Wiebe

CHICAGO – Blake Wheeler has never measured success by all-star selections, so his humble reaction to becoming one for the first time in his NHL career was par for the course.

“Well, as you get older it’s something you can share with your family. That’s what makes it special,” Wheeler said on Wednesday afternoon in Chicago after being named to the Central Division all-star squad along with Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. “One way or the other, it’s not what you play for. These things kind of are what they are. They’re for the fans. They do a great job putting on the event. It’s exciting to be a part of. I think it’s a testament to our team. I play with a lot of really good guys and (have) a lot of great opportunities, and these things happen when you get those great opportunities.”

For Hellebuyck, given the roller coaster of emotions he’s been riding during the past 12 months, the goalie of the Winnipeg Jets allowed himself to give the potential selection some thought during the past few days and wasn’t tempering his emotions as he spoke to members of the media on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s awesome. It’s a big accomplishment in my life,” said Hellebuyck. “(My confidence) is high. It’s exactly where it was last year, but now I can really trust it. The guys in front of me can see it. They can feel it. They’re helping it a lot because they’re playing so well. You can see in the details of our game. Everybody is doing the right thing. They’re not cheating at all and that’s really helping me a lot.”

The Jets, who are 26-11-7 this season, return to action on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Wheeler and Hellebuyck will represent the Jets during the NHL All-Star weekend in Tampa later this month, which features a skills competition and three-on-three tournament.

Hellebuyck’s story has been at the forefront of the Jets turnaround season and is now garnering national headlines.

After undergoing plenty of trials and tribulations during his first full season as a starter in 2016- 17, Hellebuyck began the campaign in a backup role to veteran free agent signing Steve Mason.

But Hellebuyck took over in the third game of the campaign, earning a victory over the and he now boasts a record of 23-4-6 in 35 games (including 33 starts) with a 2.36 goals-against average and .923 save % and three shutouts as the Jets pushed their way to the top of the Central Division standings.

“The real difference in our season this year is the confidence we have in our goaltending,” said Wheeler. “He was pretty young to be given the starting role last year. It was a big challenge for him. I don’t think anyone ever wrote him off or lost confidence in him.

“Everyone was excited to see what he could do this year and he’s taken the ball and run with it. He’s had just an incredible year. We’re not where we are right now without him. He’s been the biggest difference in our team this year getting to where we’re going. And he’s going to have a huge impact ultimately where we end up going this year.”

When you consider the impact Wheeler has been making during his seven seasons with the Jets, it’s surprising this is his first all-star selection.

Wheeler is the undisputed leader of the Jets and his presence is being felt on and off the ice.

With 14 goals and 52 points, he is among the league leaders in both assists and points.

Even as Wheeler is on pace to set a career high in the point department and is playing some of the best hockey of his career, he’s spoken ad nauseum about the importance of having an impact on the game whether he’s on the score sheet or not.

Wheeler spends no time worrying about racking up personal stats, but has managed to find a way to become more productive as his career has moved along.

“If I could vote, I would definitely vote for him,” said Hellebuyck. “He’s leading this team in the right direction. He shows by example every single day.”

As for the line of questioning about finally getting league-wide accolades that are probably overdue, Wheeler had no interest in stoking the fire or making a case for himself.

“I care about what the people in Winnipeg, our coaches and my teammates think of me,” said Wheeler. “Across the league, those things come as your team does well. I’m most happy where we’re at as a team. These things are somewhat political and you take them as they come. I’m excited for the opportunity. The recognition is great, but at the end of the day it’s more about where we’re at as a group and I think that’s what’s given us a lot of excitement this year.

“I’m in a great spot and I think when you’re in a position like that, these things tend to come. I’ve worked on my game a lot to get better every year. Where that stacks up in the league, that’s not for me to debate.”

There’s nothing to debate.

Wheeler is taking his spot among the best players in the NHL later this month and while he’ll enjoy soaking up the experience, he won’t be satisfied until getting another taste of playoff hockey. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-snaps-leaving-their-mark-laine-hits- 100-goaltending-decision-looms

Jets Snaps: Leaving their mark, Laine hits 100, Goaltending decision looms

By Ken Wiebe

CHICAGO – The original goal for the Winnipeg Jets was to simply stay in the fight while Mark Scheifele was sidelined with a suspected shoulder injury.

Few could have predicted the Jets would go 5-0-1 since Scheifele crashed hard into the end boards during the second period of what proved to be a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Jets have outscored their opponents 26-13 and connected for nine power-play goals in 25 chances during that run of games.

It’s still early in the process as Scheifele is expected to be on the shelf for six-to-eight weeks from the time of his injury on Dec. 27, though the early returns have been impressive.

Jets captain Blake Wheeler has been a driving force during Scheifele’s absence, making a near seamless transition to playing centre.

Wheeler chipped in two more assists in Tuesday’s 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres and has collected five goals and 11 points during his current seven-game point streak.

“Everyone has stepped up a little bit,” said Wheeler, who is up to 14 goals and 52 points in 44 games this season. “We’ve had some injuries and some guys have been given opportunities to play a different role, a bigger role and they’ve done a good job.”

The Jets are certainly getting contributions throughout the lineup, but there’s little doubt about the guy who has been leading the way.

The Jets used Wednesday as a day off, but they’ll be back on the ice on Thursday.

Mr. 100 When Jets winger Patrik Laine scored for the first time in eight games on Tuesday, it as his 19th goal of the season and the 100th point of his NHL career in just his 117th game.

Was Laine aware he was closing in on the century mark?

“Yes, I knew that. Hopefully, I can score a couple of more,” said Laine, who is up to 19 goals and 36 points in 44 games this season. “It’s a nice milestone to get. I’ll just try to get more.”

Laine, chosen second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, has been a franchise-changing player.

While known for his quick release and ridiculous shot, Laine has 55 goals and 45 assists so far and is more than just a one-trick pony.

“It’s night and day from the start, in terms of his routes, his battle and his compete,” said Maurice. “What we have right now, with Blake (Wheeler) playing centre there, he’s got the perfect mentor to take himself to the next level.”

For Laine, 11 of his 19 goals and 17 of his 36 points have come with the man-advantage.

The biggest difference in Laine’s game from the start of the season has been in his legs.

After taking some time to adjust to the weight he added during the off-season, Laine has been playing with more pace of late.

Provided that continues, you can expect Laine to continue to produce offensive at an impressive rate.

Managing the goalies With Jets goalie Steve Mason making 30 saves in Tuesday’s 7-4 win, it will be interesting to see how Maurice handles his masked men this weekend as the Jets play games on consecutive days against the Chicago Blackhawks and .

When asked if Mason could get a second start this week, Maurice was non-committal, leaving the door open that Connor Hellebuyck could play both tilts against Central Division opponents.

The Jets haven’t started the same goalie on consecutive days yet this season, so the final decision will likely be dictated by the workload Hellebuyck faces against the Blackhawks on Friday.

Hellebuyck has plenty of experience playing on consecutive days from his time in college and in the minors, plus it’s not a long flight from Chicago to Minnesota.

However, if Maurice is serious about helping Mason find a bit more of a rhythm after playing in only three games since suffering a concussion on Nov. 25, it makes sense for Mason to face the Wild.

Mason has put in plenty of work to try and stay sharp with Hellebuyck handling the bulk of the load.

What’s been the most challenging part of seeing so little game action?

“I think once you get back out there, how hard it is to fight to find the puck when the puck gets to the point,” said Mason. “It’s one thing in practice where everything’s structured but when you get out there, bodies are so big and fast at the NHL level that at the goaltending position you really have to fight to find it.”

Staying patient Jets forward Brendan Lemieux did everything that was asked of him during his first taste of the NHL, chipping in a goal and playing a hard-nosed, disciplined style in the seven games he suited up in.

Being returned to the minors wasn’t easy news to digest, but the left-winger kept things in perspective and played well with the , which prompted his most recent recall on Monday.

“It’s always easier to move forward. Sometimes when you get sent back down, you can feel like you’re taking a step back,” said Lemieux, who has nine goals and 24 points in 24 AHL games this season. “It’s just about understanding the process, how it’s different for each individual and understanding that sometimes even if you do as well as you can or as well as you think you should have, there are other things in play,” said Lemieux. “For me, it’s about understanding all of that but knowing there is always room for improvement. The is a great place to go and develop and work on parts of your game you might not get to work on if you’re playing in the NHL.”

Road to recovery After the formal portion of Tuesday’s morning skate had come to a close, Jets winger Brandon Tanev emerged on the ice for some conditioning work.

Tanev, who is working his way back from a lower-body injury he suffered in a game against the on Dec. 29, remains day-to-day after missing the past five games.

The same holds true for Adam Lowry, who is dealing with an upper-body injury and sat out a second game on Tuesday.

Although Maurice left the door open for both players to return at some point this weekend, it’s much more likely they’ll be given the bye week to get back to full health.

“This weekend is a possibility, but we’re not putting he or (Lowry) in if…I’m not saying they have to be 100%, but we’ve got to be real sure we’re not going to set them back,” said Maurice. “We have an opportunity here, for the most part, to get these guys healed for sure. If they get cleared, they’re playing. But we’ll be real conservative with it.”

CBC Manitoba http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/wheeler-hellebuyck-jets-nhl-allstars-1.4481698

2 Winnipeg Jets to play in NHL all-star game Forward Blake Wheeler and goalie Connor Hellebuyck named to Central Division team

By Bartley Kives, CBC News

Two Winnipeg Jets will play in the NHL all-star game in Tampa later this month in a reflection of their team's success on the ice this season.

Jets forward Blake Wheeler and goalie Connor Hellebuyck were both named all-stars by the on Wednesday. They'll play for a Central Division squad that also includes two members of the Nashville Predators, two and two St. Louis Blues, plus one player each from the , Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks.

The all-star selections are the first for both Jets captain Wheeler and starting goalie Hellebuyck.

Now in his 11th NHL season, Wheeler, 31, is tied for second in league scoring with 52 points. With 14 goals and 38 assists in 44 games so far, he's on pace for the best season of his career.

The winger has been filling in at centre on a line with rookie Kyle Connor and sophomore Patrick Laine, following the upper-body injury to Mark Scheifele.

Hellebuyck, 24, is in his third NHL season, all of them with the Jets. He is third in the league this season with 23 wins and is tied for third in shutouts, with three to date. His goals-against average of 2.36 per game is seventh in the league and his .923 save percentage is 10th in the league..

Both Wheeler and Hellebuyck have helped the Jets post a 26-11-7 record, good enough for 59 points, first place in the Central Division and third in the league overall.

The NHL All-Star game will be played at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Jan. 28.

The Athletic Winnipeg https://theathletic.com/207968/2018/01/10/what-sharks-players-really-need-to-know-about-cold- dark-winnipeg/

What Sharks players really need to know about cold, dark Winnipeg

By Murat Ates

It was 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon when Mirtle texted me:

“Have you seen the Sharks video? I need you to write an article about it.”

I had not. Still, I nearly dropped my gosh-darned St. James Pale Ale I was so frothing mad.

An article? At this hour? Doesn’t Mirtle know how cold and dark it is?

He had. And he still wanted me to summon the eighteen moose and three polar bears it takes to initiate the WiFi ritual just to watch the darned thing.

Good thing it wasn’t a Little Scrapper I’d got to dropping, let me just say.

Anyway. Off to Google I went. “Shark video,” I typed. “News,” I clicked.

And you know what? When the moose lumbered in from the Whiteshell and the polar bears caught the train from Churchill and they finally finished the ancient WiFi ritual so my page would load, I could not believe what I found.

On January 8, 2017, a marine biologist was saved from a shark attack by a humpback whale.

Ooooooh. Mirtle meant the , the ones that got their fins in a knot, saying Winnipeg is their least favourite road city because it's cold and dark and sometimes the WiFi at the hotels doesn't work.

Fine, let’s talk about those sharks.

It’s cold in Winnipeg? Gosh, you wouldn’t know it from the lineup at the Pal every Monday night. But OK, Sharks – let me take you at your word. Let’s say it’s cold here and let’s say that for some reason that makes it hard to play hockey.

Was it too cold for you in Calgary in May, 2004? What about Edmonton in May 2006? Detroit, 2007? I mean that’s south of the 49th, but sure, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. But Dallas, 2008? Sure as a long lineup at the Sugar Shack Dallas couldn’ta been too cold for yous guys, eh?

Then there’s frozen Anaheim in ’09, Chicago 2010, Vancouver 2011, St. Louis 2012, Los Angeles 2013 and 2014, shoot-you-missed’-em in 2015, Pittsburgh in 2016, and Edmonton (again) in 2017?

That’s a gosh-darned lot of places it’s too cold to play your best hockey, eh?

And I do want to be understanding, I really do. You live in California so it's not like you have a whole lot of experience dealing with frost.

It's just that, with Patrick Marleau in and Joe Thornton getting older, I figured you'd be well versed in closing windows.

===

OK, fine.

That’s not my real voice.

Yes, I grew up in Manitoba and yes, I’ve apologized to plenty of people who bumped into me on the #60, but no I don’t say gosh and it would take one Hellebuyck of a shock for me to drop any one of our fine city’s microbrews. I’m just your average Winnipegger and darn it if I don’t like it when un-Winnipeggers like the Sharks take toothless jabs at us.

I will say this. In Winnipeg, our players keep their beards on their faces. And if you think Brent Burns and Joe Thornton have got anything on Festival du Voyageur’s beard-growing contest you’ve got another thing coming.

So when Coach Paul Maurice has this to say in our defence, I’ll happily raise my glass of St. James or Scrapper or even a mug of Grandpa's Sweater in his honour. Oba jo, yes I will.

If I may take it a two-step further.

My name is Murat Ates and I am proud to live in Winnipeg.

I’m proud to be from a city so good at being cold that we build the world’s longest outdoor skating rink each and every year and, because that’s not good-at-being-cold enough, we also kick back our feet and have a world-class dinner on it in the middle of winter. Imagine that – Finland gave us Teemu Selanne and Patrik Laine and all they want back is to copy Raw Almond.

I’m proud to be from a city so good at being dark that we are one of the world’s pre-eminent Northern Lights photo spots:

I’m proud to be from a city whose music scene is so vibrant and so supportive that a Juno Award Winner can get together with a group of Juno Award nominees and record this at a community church:

And then, because it’s Winnipeg and we are that nice, you can run into any one of those musicians at the local coffee shop and start a conversation with them and become friends because that’s just how nice they really are.

Is it cold in Winnipeg? You bet your frostbitten fins it is. Is it dark? Our sky is no more void of light than San Jose’s trophy case is void of Stanley Cups. As for WiFi, take it from the mayor:

In short:

Dear Sharks,

If you find yourself in the Heart of The Continent again this season, it will be in the playoffs. I’m not sure if you’ve heard about our fans but they’re easily the best in the NHL. You might not want to anger them.

Sportsnet.ca http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/wheeler-ready-star-festivities-misses-running-mate- scheifele/ (VIDEO LINK)

WHEELER READY FOR ALL-STAR FESTIVITIES, MISSES RUNNING MATE SCHEIFELE

Blake Wheeler has been successful taking over duties for Mark Scheifele and talks about getting him back on his line and being named to the All-Star team.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/hellebuyck-getting-the-call-is-very-exciting-1.964584

Hellebuyck: Getting the call is very exciting

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck discusses being named to the Central Division All- Star team with Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They also discuss Hellebuyck's first half of the season, his off-season training, his relationship with Steve Mason and Blake Wheeler's influence on the team. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/vigier-jets-have-two-good-power-play-units-1.964575

Vigier: Jets have two good power play units

TSN 1290 Jets analyst JP Vigier joined host Kevin Olszewski on the Donvito Roundtable to break down Thursday's 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/mcintyre-kyle-connor-can-work-into-calder- consideration-1.964408

McIntyre: Kyle Connor can work into Calder consideration

Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press joins Kevin Olszewski on the Donvito Roundtable. They discuss the emergence of Winnipeg Jets youngster Kyle Connor and check in on the Manitoba Moose before a home game with Grand Rapids. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/wheeler-hellebuyck-honoured-to-be-named-all-stars/c- 294849224

Wheeler, Hellebuyck honoured to be named All Stars Jets' representatives making first appearance at league's marquee event by Jamie Thomas @JamieThomasTV / WinnipegJets.com

CHICAGO, Illinois - A quiet day off in Chicago turned into another memorable moment in what continues to be a special season for the Winnipeg Jets.

The NHL announced the remaining players headed to the All-Star game at the end of the month in Tampa, Florida. Jets captain Blake Wheeler and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck were rewarded for their outstanding performances to date, being chosen as Central Division All-Stars.

"As you get older it's something you can share with your family," said Wheeler, who is currently on a seven-game point streak. "Obviously Louie (Wheeler's five-year old son) is excited; it will be a cool experience for him. So that's what makes it special. To be able to share it with your family, and it's obviously in a pretty cool place this year."

At 31 and a first-time All Star, Wheeler is having a career year, scoring 14 goals and 52 points in only 44 games so far.

"Ever since coming here I've been given a great opportunity," he said. "I play a lot of minutes and play with really good players. I give as much of that credit [to the organization and my teammates] rather than giving credit to myself. There are a lot of players out there that don't get quite that same opportunity to play as many minutes or don't play with as good of players, and that makes it challenging. I'm in a great spot. I've worked on my game a lot to get better every year and where that stacks up in the league, that's not for me to debate. I've been blessed to have a coach like Paul Maurice push me. I've learned a lot from him and I think my game has gotten better every year having a guy like him behind the bench."

Hellebuyck, meanwhile, is also a first-time attendee and with 23 wins on the year, is closing in on a career high (26) with still 38 games to play this season.

"You know, it's awesome," said Hellebuyck. "It's a big accomplishment in my life. Me and my family will enjoy it and I think Wheels will enjoy it as well."

Both players were complimentary of one another being selected as All-Stars, knowing full well that this honour would not be possible without the team having success this season as the Central Division leaders.

Even heading into this season, the Jets captain said no one had given up on Hellebuyck after a difficult 2016-17 campaign.

"I think everyone was really excited to see what he was going to do this year," he said of his goaltender. "He's taken the ball and run with it. He's had just an incredible year. We're not where we are right now without him."

"If I could vote, I definitely would have voted for him," Hellebuyck said when asked about Wheeler's selection. "He's leading this team in the right direction. He leads by example every single day, he's exactly what we want to become, and he's exactly what this teams needs to strive towards."

The All-Star Skills Competition is reportedly going to be different in Tampa than it has been in past years. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that one of the changes will be to the accuracy competition, where a fifth target (five hole) will be added and instead of the shooters choosing where to go, a light will go off telling the player where to shoot.

Wheeler was adamant the 3-on-3 portion of All-Star weekend will be what he will enjoy the most, and he gave a solid reason why:

"Not the skills competition; that's the part I'm looking forward to the least," he said in jest. "Hopefully they hide me a little bit. I don't want to be in any foot races with Connor McDavid.

"It's all for the fans, and I think the whole event is fun to be a part of."

As tough as trying to beat McDavid in a foot race would be for anyone, it's clear from anyone's perspective who has watched All-Star games in recent years that the weekend favours the skaters over the goaltenders

"The skills portion is probably a lot of autograph signing and making sure the fans are happy," Hellebuyck said when asked what part of the weekend he was looking forward to the most.

"I think the 3-on-3 will be fun. Like I said, I'm going to try to make a big glove save and hopefully get someone to cheer my name."

-- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/all-star--blake-wheeler/t-277437442/c-56569903

ALL STAR | Blake Wheeler

Blake Wheeler spoke to the media after it was announced he will play in the NHL All Star game https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/all-star--connor-hellebuyck/t-277437442/c-56569803

ALL STAR | Connor Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuyck spoke to the media in Chicago following being selected to play in the NHL AllStar game