The Vezina and Hart Trophy Winner has requested a trade with five years remaining on his deal with the Jets
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck revealing his trade request late last month was likely done to stir the pot and jump-start talks with interested clubs. That appears to be the case, as The Athletic’s Chris Johnston indicated on TSN 1050’s “First Up” morning show on Tuesday that discussions between the Jets and Buffalo Sabres have restarted.
"It sounds like Buffalo has re-engaged to some degree with Winnipeg.” Johnston said. "Those two teams were linked pretty heavily on a deal that might have happened on draft day. It was tied to some of the picks that were in the first round. Obviously, they've had to reimagine what that might look like but I think that's something to watch.”
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The Sabres are thought to be amongst a small group of teams in the mix for Hellebuyck, but deals that had previously been offered included goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, which might not be possible since he has a five-team no-trade clause that kicked in on July 1, which could block a trade to Winnipeg.
Any deal involving Buffalo would likely include one of their young centers (Noah Ostlund or Konsta Helenius), one of their top prospect defenseman (Daxon Rudolph or Radim Mrtka), and/or an established NHL forward (Jack Quinn or Ryan McLeod).
“At this point, I can’t sit here and say with any certainty, that Hellebuyck will be traded by the start of camp or the season.” Johnston said. “I think the teams have some mutual interest in trying to make a deal, but it hasn’t been an easy one to consummate. I would say quite honestly, whether it ends up being Buffalo or some other team, it’s not going to be an easy trade for Hellebuyck.”
One factor in a potential Hellebuyck deal could be the uncertain contract status of Team USA teammate Quinn Hughes. The Norris Trophy winner still has not clarified his willingness to sign an extension with the Minnesota Wild. If Hughes does not agree to a deal with the Wild, it is possible that GM Bill Guerin will pivot and trade him.
The New Jersey Devils are the likely trade destination for Hughes, and there has been speculation that they are also interested in Hellebuyck. The Florida Panthers were reportedly interested in acquiring the Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, but used the assets needed to acquire him in the trade with Ottawa for Brady Tkachuk. Similarly, the Devils may be waiting for the Hughes situation with Minnesota to play out, and could pivot towards Hellebuyck if Hughes signs an extension.
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