The offers for Connor Hellebuyck aren’t there yet
TSN: There is considerable interest in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but if the offers don’t come in that fill GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s needs, why would he move him? Darren Dreger adds that you can’t rule out the Jets keeping him.
“But look at it from Winnipeg’s perspective here, Gino. You can’t simply trade away a valued asset like Hellebuyck, who’s under contract until 2031, and not get back what you need. We know the Jets are in the market for a No. 2 centre. They’d like to add a depth centre as well, maybe bolster their blue line. If they trade Hellebuyck, what are they doing in goal? So it’d be great to get a goaltender back as part of a package, as well.”
TSN: There are a number of teams interested in Connor Hellebuyck, including the Florida Panthers, but the offers aren’t there yet, according to Darren Dreger.
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“I can tell you, Gino, that the offers on this future Hall of Fame goaltender just flat out aren’t good enough yet. It’s early in the week. Perhaps there can be developments moving forward. But I wanna remind everyone, Connor Hellebuyck is under contract with the Winnipeg Jets until 2031. So for him to get moved, the offers have to improve.”
The rising cap makes Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million easier to fit in, and the Jets will need a bidding war to get the price up
Murat Ates: “With Connor Hellebuyck at $8.5M AAV and cap increases to come, it’s sensible to consider teams that used tandems in recent years + those that need a clear No. 1. Hellebuyck’s deal is cap efficient such that -some- teams who didn’t want to spend on a 1G before can afford to now.
You can’t predict when a goaltender goes hot/cold in the playoffs. Tandems have strategic value — an unheralded G won the Cup a week ago. So the asset price via trade may not be downright thrilling. But the cap efficiency boost is new. It should expand the list of viable teams.
In the end, I think Winnipeg’s ability to win a Hellebuyck trade — and thereby its likelihood of completing such a trade — goes way up if it’s able to manufacture a bidding war. That’s not guaranteed but it should be possible IMO. He’s on a very short list for best in the NHL.
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Also, from the Jets’ perspective: what is “winning”? If you’re trading, you’re not getting the best player in the trade. So how good is the 2C (or other second line upgrade) you get back? Or big D? Or goaltender with upside? Or are you willing to go futures and keep wheeling.”
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