After it was reported that Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck isn't interested in re-signing with the team, the NHL rumor roundup brings more speculation about where he could end up.
Connor HellebuyckIt seems like Connor Hellebuyck's departure from the Winnipeg Jets this summer is just a matter of time. The clock began ticking once it emerged he was reportedly not interested in signing a contract extension.
Hellebuyck, 30, is slated to become a UFA next July. He carries an average annual value of about $6.167 million and lacks no-trade protection.
Winner of the 2019-20 Vezina Trophy, Hellebuyck is a finalist for the award this season. The Jets would probably prefer a sign-and-trade scenario, as that will ensure a better trade return for him.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun indicates this summer's goaltender trade market could also include Anaheim's John Gibson, Philadelphia's Carter Hart and New Jersey's Mackenzie Blackwood. However, he believes no goalie will have more impact on his new team than Hellebuyck.
It's been speculated the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights could pursue Hellebuyck.
Last month, LeBrun's colleagues Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek reported hearing the Sabres had an interest in the Jets netminder. There's been nothing new since about this in the rumor mill. Meanwhile, limited salary cap space could take the Leafs out of the running.
According to LeBrun, the Hurricanes are talking contract extensions with pending free agents Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta while the Golden Knights would like to re-sign playoff hero Adin Hill. He also indicated the Kings could opt for a more affordable goaltender because of their limited salary-cap space.
On Tuesday, LeBrun reported the Devils had reached out to the Jets about Hellebuyck, but they have concerns about the cost of his next contract. He's believed to be seeking something comparable to the $9.5-million cap hit earned by Tampa Bay's Andrei Vasilevskiy.