Ondrej Pavelec assigned to American Hockey League

Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec was among eight players assigned to Manitoba of the American Hockey League by the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Pavelec's reassignment is pending waivers.

Goaltenders Connor Hellebuyck and Michael Hutchinson remain with the Jets, who will open the season against the Carolina Hurricanes at MTS Centre on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, FS-CR).

Pavelec, 29, is entering the final season of a five-year, $19.5 million contract with an NHL salary-cap charge of $3.9 million, according to General Fanager.

Last season Pavelec was 13-13-4 with a 2.78 GAA and .904 save percentage in 33 games. In 2014-15 he set NHL bests in goals-against average (2.28), save percentage (.920) and shutouts (five) and helped the Jets reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Chosen by the Atlanta Thrashers with the No. 41 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Pavelec is 148-154-47 with a 2.85 GAA and .907 save percentage in nine NHL seasons, all with Atlanta/Winnipeg.

Also assigned to the AHL were forwards Andrew Copp, Marko Dano, Chase De Leo, Anthony Peluso and Nic Petan, and defensemen Julian Melchiori and Brian Strait. Peluso and Melchiori's assignments also are dependent on them clearing waivers.

- NHL