Clay Stevenson claimed by Jets to bolster goaltending depth

The Winnipeg Jets have claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals, giving the club another option in net as it approaches the start of the season. The move comes with Connor Hellebuyck not reporting to training camp, leaving the Jets to reshape their depth chart in goal.

Stevenson leaves Capitals after losing battle for backup job

Stevenson became available after he was unable to secure the backup role in Washington behind Charlie Lindgren. The 27-year-old has appeared in four NHL games with the Capitals, posting a 3-1 record along with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, giving Winnipeg a goaltender with at least some big-league experience.

Most of Stevenson’s recent work has come in the American Hockey League. Last season, he spent the bulk of the year in the AHL, where he went 18-13-4 with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. That track record at the minor-league level suggests he can handle a regular workload if the Jets need to shuffle their crease over the course of the year.

Jets adjust crease with Hellebuyck absent from camp

In Winnipeg, Hellebuyck’s absence from camp has created a clear need for additional insurance in goal. Stuart Skinner is currently the most experienced option in the organization, and the Jets now have Stevenson in the mix as another goaltender who has faced NHL shooters.

Domenic DiVincentiis is expected to open the season as the backup. He has yet to appear in an NHL game, coming off an AHL campaign with the Manitoba Moose in which he recorded a 13-16-3 record, a 3.03 goals-against average and an .896 save percentage. With DiVincentiis still looking for his first NHL minutes, bringing in Stevenson gives Winnipeg an extra layer of depth if injuries or performance issues arise.

By putting in a claim on Stevenson, the Jets have strengthened their organizational depth in the crease at a moment of uncertainty around their usual starter. How the club ultimately allocates playing time among Skinner, DiVincentiis and Stevenson will be a key storyline as the regular season gets underway.