It appears the summer of speculation over the fates of Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele with the Winnipeg Jets is over for now.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele were the subjects of frequent media trade speculation throughout the off-season. With training camp on the horizon, however, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff intends to hang onto the duo for the coming season.
Following last Friday's meeting of NHL GMs, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun and Michael Russo reported that Cheveldayoff isn't looking to trade Hellebuyck and Scheifele right now. “The narrative took on a life of its own,” said the Jets GM. He believes his club remains in a “real good, competitive spot” following their off-season changes.
That narrative was fuelled by Hellebuyck and Scheifele entering the final season of their respective contracts. LeBrun and Russo noted there's a risk the Jets could lose both players to next summer's free-agent market if they're not moved by the March 8, 2024, trade deadline.
Cheveldayoff, however, insisted his focus is icing a winning club this season. He also indicated he's been in contact with Hellebuyck and Scheifele and will meet with them once training camp opens next week.
The Winnipeg Sun's Paul Friesen also noted that Cheveldayoff could face a difficult decision by the trade deadline. “We'll see how it all plays out,” he told Friesen.
It could go several ways. The Jets could be in a firm position of a playoff berth by early March, in which case Hellebuyck and Scheifele will become “self-rentals” if they haven't re-signed by then. One or both could sign contract extensions if they feel the club is heading in the right direction.