Is a Connor Hellebuyck Trade More Complicated Now for the Winnipeg Jets?
Elliotte Friedman joined NHL Tonight on NHL Network with Jamison Coyle, Mike Rupp, and Cory Schneider. He discussed the situation with the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck. With the trade request going public, can they make a deal between now and the start of training camp?
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Will the Winnipeg Jets Trade Connor Hellebuyck Before the Start of Training Camp?
Jamison Coyle: “Another big talking point all summer long has been Connor Hellebuyck, and the rumors kind of really picked up around the draft when we were both out there, but then kind of died down. But then really picked up some steam lately with Connor Hellebuyck going public with that message, saying he publicly has now asked to be traded. Where do you see that situation playing out? You think Connor Hellebuyck is going to start this season in Winnipeg or somewhere else?”
Elliotte Friedman: “Well, anytime that something like that comes out, Jamison, it says to me that you would like this to be sorted out before the season, before camp, whenever it can be done, and I’ve heard that you gave me some homework. You told me you wanted me to do some work on this, and Jamison, when you give me homework, I always listen.
And I’ve heard that one of the big challenges here is that some of the things that were available at the beginning of the summer or at the draft are no longer available. Like, I think one of the teams that was really in this hot was Florida. And I think one of the challenges is that part of Florida’s package, not all of Florida’s package, but part of it-was what they traded to Ottawa to get Brady Tkachuk. So does Florida have anything that still makes sense?
NHL Rumors: Would Connor Hellebuyck Go to the Edmonton Oilers?
I think the challenge with Buffalo is that one of the things they were working on was the fourth overall pick. I think that was key to the deal, and obviously the Jets wanted the fourth, and they wanted to keep the eighth. Buffalo’s willing to do that. So now, can you still make a deal? And don’t forget also, no trade list change usually for most players on July 1st.
So are there players who were available to Winnipeg before the start of the summer that now are no longer available to the Jets? So I think all of that has been a challenge. Now, I don’t think even though Hellebuyck went public, I don’t think that really changed the whole situation. I think teams knew he wanted out, and they knew that Winnipeg was holding strong for a good offer.
I think the biggest question now is, what pressure points do the Jets feel, if any, and is there still a deal out there that they feel is good? I think one of the keys there is they have Stuart Skinner; they signed him in free agency, but they’re going to need another goalie. And is there another goalie who’s part of all this that they are willing to say, hey, that gives us an acceptable tandem for what we’re about to lose?
I think it’s complicated. I think that, and I think the biggest question is, what pressure do the Jets feel, if any, now that it’s public?”
NHLRumors.com Note: As it has been documented, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will not fold under pressure. He has shown with players like Evander Kane, Jacob Trouba, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Patrik Laine, and Zach Bogosian that he will wait for an offer that helps the Winnipeg Jets remain competitive. He will do the same with Connor Hellebuyck.
Why the Trade Request from Connor Hellebuyck Differs from Dylan Larkin
However, it is more complicated now that no-trade protections have kicked in, and teams like the Florida Panthers have moved on as a trade partner. The Buffalo Sabres are still in the mix. Same goes for the New Jersey Devils, though the Quinn Hughes situation plays a factor in what they do on the Hellebuyck front.
But the Jets have more options: the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, and other teams that could use Hellebuyck. The direction of the Winnipeg Jets will be determined by the return for Connor Hellebuyck.
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