The Winnipeg Jets claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals on Monday, September 28, 2026, in a move reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Neither club has issued a statement on the transaction.
The claim gives Winnipeg an experienced No. 2 behind Stuart Skinner, who signed in free agency as cover for Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck has requested a trade and did not report for training camp, leaving the Jets short on NHL-ready goaltending depth at the start of camp.
What the deal costs Winnipeg
Stevenson, 27, is owed an $850K NHL salary for the rest of the year on a one-way contract, meaning the Jets pay that NHL figure whether he plays in Winnipeg or the AHL. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, so the commitment ends after this season.
It is a low-cost insurance policy, and it keeps prospects Tomas Milic and Dom DiVincentiis with the Manitoba Moose rather than forcing either into an NHL backup role while the crease is unsettled.
Why Washington let him go
Stevenson was never going to move past Logan Thompson or Charlie Lindgren in Washington’s crease, and the Capitals knew he would reach the waiver wire with a risk of being claimed. The club stocked Hershey with AHL-deal goaltenders as a contingency, and Cal Petersen, in camp on a professional tryout, looks like a candidate for a full contract.
Stevenson’s path
An undrafted Alberta native out of the BCHL, Stevenson played one season at Dartmouth before turning pro in the Capitals organization. He posted a .916 save percentage in 36 ECHL games as a rookie, then a .922 save percentage in 36 games for Hershey the next year, winning a Calder Cup that season. In 2025-26 he went 18-13-3 with a .912 save percentage in 37 games for the Bears. He has appeared in five NHL games, with a .906 career save percentage.