THN.com/podcast. From THN On The 'A': Sharks' Nick Cicek on His Rise to the AHL and NHL Mark Scheifele [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5NjEyNTk3NzkwNTgxODYz/usatsi_20045082.jpg] Mark Scheifele Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and center Mark Scheifele were fixtures in the rumor mill throughout June. Along with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Blake Wheeler, their eligibility next July for UFA status made them trade candidates this summer. Dubois was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on June 27, while Wheeler was bought out of his contract three days later. With Hellebuyck unwilling to sign a contract extension and no word on Scheifele's intentions, it seemed that they would also be on their way out of Winnipeg. With August fast approaching, however, there's no indication that either player will be moved. The Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck [https://winnipegsun.com/sports/the-midsummer-winnipeg-jets-report] observed the difficulty of trying to peddle them when the trade market has dried up, especially for Hellebuyck. The 30-year-old netminder is due for a big raise over his current average annual value of $6.166 million. Recent speculation suggested he could seek at least $9 million annually on his next contract. As Billeck observed, a flattened salary cap also doesn't help matters. Few teams can afford Hellebuyck's current cap hit or Scheifele's $6.125 million. The latter also carries a 10-team no-trade clause. Billeck indicated the Jets would prefer re-signing Hellebuyck and Scheifele. They have reportedly asked both players if they might have a change of heart about signing new deals. He felt both could be on the Jets' starting lineup when the regular season opens in October. The Boston Bruins were suggested as a destination for Scheifele earlier this month [https://thehockeynews.com/news/why-havent-the-jets-moved-hellebuyck-and-scheifele-yet]. Billeck, however, believes their focus could be on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm. Time remains on the Jets' side. They can start the season with Hellebuyck and Scheifele and wait for the trade market to improve in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
