Connor Hellebuyck may have expected his trade request to move quickly. With his suspension set to end Friday, Oct. 23, he may finally get what he wants, even if the situation has become more complicated than he probably anticipated.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Hellebuyck told the Jets before their season opener on Oct. 2 that he intended to end his absence and report to the team. Because he hadn’t been given permission to miss training camp, Winnipeg had extra power under the collective bargaining agreement, and it used that power to impose a disciplinary suspension. Once it ends, Hellebuyck can rejoin the team.
That doesn’t mean a return is likely. Friedman noted that the suspension ending doesn’t change how either side feels. He said nobody wants a reunion, including Hellebuyck, the Jets, the players and the fans, “but that’s where we could be next week, barring a trade.”
The Jets are Preparing for a Trade
Hellebuyck may have thought that sitting out would pressure Winnipeg into a deal. But the Jets are starting to manage without him. Stuart Skinner has a chance to settle in, and Clay Stevenson has shown he can hold his own against NHL competition. Neither is Hellebuyck, but if they keep giving the Jets workable options, the urgency to trade him may fade.
Friedman reported that Winnipeg won’t force a trade just to make one, though it likely doesn’t want to keep paying him to stay away. He also believes that if the Jets can’t move him by Friday, they’ll pay him to stay home. How long they’ll want to do so remains to be seen. If a team throws out a reasonable offer, the Jets might want to get this done.
Three Teams Hold the Keys to a Hellebuyck Trade
Emily Kaplan of ESPN writes, “At least three teams remain in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck, but still no guarantee he’s traded by Friday. If the Jets don’t move him this week, the likely plan is to begin paying him but have him stay away from team. Hellebuyck has been getting regular ice time in Michigan.”
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman said a few teams could decide how this plays out. Buffalo has wanted Hellebuyck for some time, and Friedman said the goalie would be willing to go there. Utah is another, and Friedman said he thinks the Mammoth have a way to getting what they want. He pointed to how they chased Vincent Trocheck for a year before getting him, and said the fact they’ve been in and out of the Hellebuyck talks shows they’re interested.
The Rangers are the most unusual piece. With Igor Shesterkin out for the season, New York needs goaltending help, but Friedman said they aren’t likely to take on Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million cap hit. Instead, any move they make could open up the market for someone else.
As for who the Rangers might target, the names include Carolina’s Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov, Los Angeles’ Darcy Kuemper or Anton Forsberg, and Buffalo’s Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis or Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen reportedly wouldn’t waive his no-move clause to go to Winnipeg but might be open to joining the Rangers. That could set off a chain, with Buffalo using the return plus other assets to land Hellebuyck.
One scenario floated has Karel Vejmelka moving to New York, which would open a spot in Utah for Hellebuyck. Vejmelka is signed through 2030 at $4.75 million.
Carolina is always in the picture, but Friedman doesn’t see a fit with Los Angeles right now, even though Frank Seravalli reported real interest from the Kings.
A Concern for Hellebuyck Buyers
Hellebuyck’s situation is also a worry for potential trade partners. According to Chris Johnston, scouts have raised the question of which version of the goalie a team would get. That uncertainty is one reason talks with Utah and other teams haven’t become serious.
Friday should bring some answers. Hellebuyck could return, the Jets could trade him, or he could stay home on Winnipeg’s dime.
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