As the Vezina winner prepares to sit out, trade talks intensify around the Hurricanes and a complex multi-team deal involving prospect Alexander Nikishin to facilitate the blockbuster.
On Monday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed on the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast that Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will not be starting the season with the team, dampening the recent optimism around a possible return.
Just days ago, there appeared to be some hope that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner could reconsider his trade request and play out the season in Winnipeg. That optimism has since faded, with Friedman reporting that Hellebuyck is prepared to miss his first NHL paycheque of the season and does not expect him to show up for the start of the year.
On Monday's show and in last Friday's episode, Friedman reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are still very interested in acquiring Hellebuyck. The biggest obstacle, according to Friedman, is restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin, who the Jets reportedly do not believe would sign with them long-term, complicating any potential return package.
Friedman explained that the simplest way to get a deal done may be to bring in a third team. In that scenario, Carolina would acquire assets from another club and then flip them to Winnipeg, along with potentially other pieces, in exchange for Hellebuyck.
One team rumored to be involved is the New York Rangers after Friedman reported Monday that the Rangers had a deal in place for Nikishin earlier this offseason. However, the deal fell apart when the two sides couldn't agree on an extension with the return to Carolina in that deal rumored to include two first-round picks.
It remains difficult to say when the Hellebuyck saga will come to an end. But if it does conclude in the near future, it appears it could come in the form Friedman is suggesting with likely the Carolina Hurricanes and Nikishin involved.
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