NHL Rumor Roundup: Connor Hellebuyck's Suspension Ending, Maple Leafs Seek Blueline Help

Connor Hellebuyck's suspension from the Winnipeg Jets is reportedly ending on Friday.

The 33-year-old goaltender went public with his trade request in August. He was suspended without pay by the Jets for skipping training camp.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Hellebuyck informed the Jets before their season opener on Oct. 2 that he wanted to return. However, as per the collective bargaining agreement, the Jets could suspend him for a "reasonable length" of time.

Friedman said the suspension will end on Oct. 23. He also said some of the teams interested in Hellebuyck wanted to see if the pressure of a deadline might force the Jets to trade him, but they prefer to keep him instead of being forced into a bad trade.

The Buffalo Sabres attempted to acquire Hellebuyck in June, and Friedman thinks they could still be interested. He also noted there was speculation linking the three-time Vezina Trophy winner to the Los Angeles Kings and Carolina Hurricanes.

Friedman thinks the New York Rangers could also influence this situation. They’re not pursuing Hellebuyck, but could make a move that affects the goalie market.

If Hellebuyck isn't traded once his suspension ends, it will be interesting to see whether the Jets welcome him back or pay him to stay home and await a trade. Friedman believes neither side wants the latter.

Meanwhile, there's some conjecture about how the Toronto Maple Leafs will address their blueline with oft-injured shutdown defenseman Chris Tanev sidelined again.

Jonas Siegel of The Athletic recently speculated that they could be forced into the trade market. Even if Tanev isn't out for long, there's no guarantee the 36-year-old rearguard won't get injured again.

On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said the Maple Leafs have plans to address their blueline. They've told teams they don't want "band-aid solutions" and are willing to part with a premium asset to bring in a difference-maker on defense. They could also move an older player for a younger one.

The Maple Leafs have several older "premium assets" like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Darren Raddysh, and Sergei Bobrovsky, but they all have full no-movement clauses.

Morgan Rielly also has a full NMC, but he submitted a short list of Western Conference destinations this summer when requested by management. Whether he becomes a trade candidate remains to be seen.

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