The Jets added Clay Stevenson to their goaltending depth chart after he was waived by the Capitals amid a flurry of goalie moves tied to the Connor Hellebuyck situation. Stevenson brings AHL success and limited NHL experience on a one-year, $800,000-cap contract.
Stevenson posted strong AHL numbers with the Hershey Bears, including a 63-39-1 career AHL record, 2.50 GAA,.909 SV% and nine shutouts.
He is on the final year of a three-year contract with an $800,000 AAV and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The move addresses thin goaltending depth in Winnipeg after the Connor Hellebuyck trade demand and suspension left the Jets relying on Stuart Skinner as the starter.
# What happened
Sept. 28, 2026. The claim came during a broader round of goalie moves across the league tied to roster cuts and the Jets' own goaltending uncertainty following the Connor Hellebuyck trade-demand and suspension situation.
# Who is Clay Stevenson
His AHL track record: a career 63-39-1 record, 2.50 goals-against average (GAA), a.909 save percentage (SV%), and nine shutouts. In the 2025-26 AHL season specifically he went 18-13-3 with a 2.62 GAA and a.912 SV%.
His NHL experience is limited but solid in small samples. Last season he made four starts for Washington, going 3-1-0 with a 2.00 GAA and a.921 SV%. Across five career NHL appearances, other sources list a 3-2-0 record with a 2.60 GAA and a.906 SV%.
# Contract and roster implications
Stevenson is in the final year of a three-year contract carrying an $800,000 annual average value. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.
Skinner. The move came as the organization navigated a compressed preseason and roster churn driven in part by Hellebuyck's status. Winnipeg begins its 2026-27 regular season on Oct. 2, hosting the Boston Bruins at Canada Life Centre.
# How this fits Winnipeg's needs
Winnipeg needed to add goaltending depth quickly. Stevenson's AHL resume shows sustained performance at that level and familiarity with pro systems. His size (6-foot-4) and recent AHL workload give the Jets an experienced AHL-level option who can step into an NHL role if injuries or suspensions require it.
The contract cost is affordable for a club seeking immediate, low-risk depth. Because he's on the final year of his deal, the Jets can evaluate him this season and make a choice in free agency next summer.
# Practical next steps for the Jets
# Bottom line
Winnipeg's claim of Clay Stevenson is a low-cost, short-term add to stabilize goaltending depth. Stevenson's strong AHL track record and limited but competent NHL sample make him a sensible contingency option while the Jets sort the Hellebuyck situation and lean on Stuart Skinner as the presumptive starter.
The Winnipeg Jets have claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals.
Stevenson practiced with his new team on Wednesday for the first time since being claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals.
The post The Winnipeg Jets Just Made a Curious Goalie Choice appeared first on NHL Trade Talk . The Jets had other goalie options. So why Clay Stevenson? The answer may have more to do with what Winnipeg needs right now. The post The Winnipeg Jets Just Made a Curious Goalie Choice appeared first on NHL Trade Talk .
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