Would Connor Hellebuyck Be a Good Fit with the Pittsburgh Penguins?

If Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry leaves as a UFA, there's speculation about if Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck would be available.

The Pittsburgh Penguins could need a new starting goaltender if Tristan Jarry departs as a free agent on July 1. While one Pittsburgh pundit suggested the Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson as a trade target, others believe Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck would be a better choice.

Nick Horwat recently suggested the Penguins should consider the Jets as a possible trade partner if they shake things up following their early post-season exit. He noted that the 29-year-old Hellebucyk indicated he was not interested in a rebuild during his end-of-season interviews.

Hellebuyck has a year left on his contract worth an annual cap hit of $6.16 million. Nevertheless, Horwat believes the former Vezina Trophy winner would be worth every penny for the Penguins.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now doubted Gibson would be available if they get a top-two pick in this year's draft. If the Ducks put him on the trade block, Kingerski speculated they'd want at least two first-round draft picks plus more in return.

Kingerski believes Hellebucyk would be a different story. He thinks the Jets would be open to a player-for-player swap, though the Penguins convincing one of their better players to waive their no-trade or no-movement clauses would be difficult.

The intentions of the Jets' usually cautious management remain uncertain. If they do peddle Hellebuyck, who lacks no-trade protection, the Penguins probably won't win a bidding war for his services.