As training camp nears, there's no indication the Winnipeg Jets are any closer to trading superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Meanwhile, winger Jake DeBrusk clarified his comments from last season about playing for the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.
With training camp right around the corner, there’s no indication the Winnipeg Jets are any closer to trading Connor Hellebucyk.
The 33-year-old goaltender revealed his trade request last month, but it hasn’t spurred general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to accelerate efforts to move him.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said last Thursday that Hellebuyck’s list of preferred trade destinations is "much, much wider" than those of other players (like Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin) who’ve requested trades this summer.
Hellebuyck has a full no-movement clause for this season, after which it drops to a 10-team trade list. Friedman didn’t say how wide his list was, but it might be as many as 10 teams.
The Hockey News’ Jake Tye cited TSN’s Darren Dreger claiming that Hellebuyck hasn’t been moved yet because the offers from interested teams have been "terrible". Dreger said those clubs already have decent goaltending, and while they see Hellebuyck as an upgrade, they want him "at a discount price, a bargain-basement price."
Friedman noted that the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Utah Mammoth have been mentioned frequently as landing spots for Hellebuyck. He also said he received "very mixed messaging" regarding the New Jersey Devils. It’s been said they aren’t interested in the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, but Friedman claimed some people think they are.
James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now remains skeptical, pointing out the Devils have $1.85 million in salary cap space. Even if the Jets retained part of Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million AAV (which they won’t), the Devils would still have to move out salary in the deal, which could hurt their depth elsewhere in their lineup.
Nicholls also pointed out that the Devils have a cheap three-goalie setup with backups Jake Allen, David Rittich, and the untested Nico Daws. It’s believed the Jets would want a goalie back in the deal, but one of those three might not fit the bill.
He also believes that trading for Hellebucyk could complicate efforts to reunite the Hughes brothers if the Minnesota Wild make Quinn Hughes available before the March 1 trade deadline.
DeBrusk Establishes Commitment To Canucks
Turning to the Vancouver Canucks, Jake DeBrusk has been the subject of trade conjecture since last season, when he said he wasn’t okay with the notion of playing for a rebuilding team. He’s signed through 2030-31, with a $5.5 million AAV and a full no-movement clause.
DeBrusk has since walked back those comments, telling Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre last week that he never asked for a trade and still believes he can help the Canucks. He explained his initial remarks were the result of an emotional season, adding that he clarified his comment the following day.
While DeBrusk hasn’t requested a trade, off-season reports claimed several teams (including the Ottawa Senators) looked into his availability. If the Canucks struggle again this season, management could approach him about waiving his clause at the March 1 trade deadline.
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