A surprising shift in narrative suggests Connor Hellebuyck might prioritize Stanley Cup ambitions over preferred markets, potentially fueling a blockbuster deal to an unexpected landing spot.
Don't look now, but could Connor Hellebuyck to the Edmonton Oilers be a real thing? The reality is, probably not. Still, according to a Winnipeg Jets analyst, we're best not to rule it out completely.
On the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast, Jets reporter Sean Reynolds was asked if the goaltender would consider a trade to the Edmonton Oilers.
Reynolds wasted no time in saying he thinks Hellebuyck would.
“I think he would. I think it gives him a shot at doing what he feels he needs to do to complete his legacy, and that’s have some playoff success and that’s win a Stanley Cup.”
It's an interesting take given that Edmonton is a Canadian market, and one most people believe Hellebuyck is more likely to try and land in a U.S. city.
But, winning apparently trumps everything.
Reynolds understands that there's a narrative out there that the U.S. Olympians who are in the trade rumor mill all seem to be trending in the same direction: get on a U.S. team in a tax-friendly state where being competive is an option. If Hellebuyck is looking to do the same, Edmonton makes little sense.
But, that may not be his prority. Winnipeg might not be worried about appeasing Hellebuyck either. If the best trade return comes from Edmonton, they may try to steer their goaltender in that direction.
Reynolds adds:
“The Jets core: Connor Hellebuyck, Adam Lowry, Mark Scheifele — they’re all 33 years old… they strongly feel the best days are still ahead with this group and that they’re going to head over and win a Stanley Cup. It’s a dangerous idea, because if it doesn’t work out in the next couple of years, it’s gonna collapse.”
So, even though the Jets should likely retool or rebuild, they don't want to. That means sending out Hellebuyck for NHL-ready impact players who can keep the Jets in the mix. Who would be going back to Winnipeg from the Oilers? That's a good question.
Author's Take:
I'm not sure I buy that Hellebuyck would seriously consider the Oilers. I'm also not sure that the Oilers have the assets to send back to the Jets, nor the desire to sell the farm to acquire him. Yes, Hellebuyck is a superstar goalie, better than anyone Edmonton has had in years. His playoff numbers are also a bit suspect, and at $8.5 million per season for several seasons, it's not a slam dunk add if the price is dear.
In the right situation, I'm looking at this all day if I'm GM Stan Bowman. But, if this becomes a bidding war, the Oilers should probably bow out.
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