Ondrej Pavelec looks ready to take the next step.

But where will it ultimately take him?

For the short term, my best suggestion is that the Winnipeg Jets assign him for a one-game conditioning stint with the Manitoba Moose.

Although Pavelec said last month he has been around long enough to prepare for an NHL game — even though he’s been out of action since Nov. 21 with a sprained knee — it says here that he could benefit from some action in the American Hockey League, even if it’s just one game.

As it turns out, the Moose host the Toronto Marlies on Thursday, so it’s not like Pavelec would have to pack his bags or prepare for a bus ride, he could play the game in his home rink and shake off a bit of rust.

Is this option being considered?

“That’s a conversation I haven’t had with (Jets general manager) Kevin (Cheveldayoff) yet, but it will happen soon,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice, noting Pavelec still requires the green light from the team doctor to return to game action. “He’s got to get to playing and probably middle of the week is when he would get the full go. From then, we’ll decide where the best place to put him in is.”

Given the situation the Jets find themselves in, they can’t really afford to have Pavelec shake off that rust in an NHL game and risk him not being ready.

Coming out of the break, the Jets are nine points out of a playoff spot and given how well he’s been playing, Connor Hellebuyck figures to start Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars.

But the Jets face a back-to-back situation this weekend — facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday to close out a six-game homestand and the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday in Denver.

Although Hellebuyck has played a few games on consecutive days now, the travel is a bit more extensive this time, so giving him a breather probably makes sense.

Provided things go well for Pavelec in the AHL tune-up, he’d be the logical starter on Saturday night.

So where does that leave Michael Hutchinson?

Well, that’s a great question and best described as “to be determined.”

Hutchinson, who was the toast of the town at this time last season, is going through a rough patch (his last win was in relief of Pavelec on Nov. 21) and would probably also benefit from his own stint in the AHL.

The reality is that Hutchinson probably needs more than just a game or two to get back on track.

So rather than subject Hutchinson to waivers — even though he would likely clear right now — a conditioning assignment would be the preferred route, as it buys the Jets some time to find a long-term solution.

Which brings us back to Pavelec, whose numbers have dipped back around his career average after posting career-bests in goals against average and save percentage last season.

Although he said all the right things and was a model citizen last season when he was pushed and ultimately lost the starting job to Hutchinson before taking it back during the stretch run and getting his team into the playoffs, Pavelec doesn’t want to be a back up.

Not now and certainly not next season.

The Jets are paying him starting goaltender money, but right now Hellebuyck gives the team the best chance to win and figures to get the majority of the 33 games left in the regular season.

Pavelec carries a $3.9 million cap hit, but his salary is $4.25 this season and $4.75 million in 2016-17 and that’s a lot of money to be paying someone to be the No. 2 guy — provided Hellebuyck maintains his current level of play, of course.

So what about a trade?

Most clubs aren’t looking for a starting goalie, but there’s one team that doesn’t have an NHL puck-stopper under contract for next season, the Calgary Flames.

Since both Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo are pending unrestricted free agents, would the Flames be interested in dealing for Pavelec as a short-term solution?

Maybe.

Even if the Flames decide to keep Ramo, who has bounced back after a tough start to the season that included a trip to the minors, Hiller is highly unlikely to return.

Since neither one of the Flames’ top goalie prospects appear ready to make the jump next fall, Pavelec could provide some stability for the Flames, while not blocking the long-term path.

The Jets may have to take Hiller back, along with a draft pick, but that would clear close to $4 million off the books for next season — which could help in getting Dustin Byfuglien or Andrew Ladd signed to a long-term deal.

If a trade partner for Pavelec can’t be found or if the Jets ultimately decide to keep Pavelec in the fold as insurance, things could get interesting.

Either way, this upcoming three-goalie logjam is another issue that will soon require a resolution.