As trade talks cool for the former Vezina winner, insider insights suggest a looming departure from Winnipeg while the Jets prepare their roster for a blockbuster move.
When the smallest spark of trade rumors emerged following Connor Hellebuyck's end-of-season availability, in which the goaltender made clear his desire to win a Stanley Cup, the all-world netminder lit a match that led to a fire still burning around the league.
The three-time Vezina Trophy winner and recent Olympic gold medalist had every team searching for goaltending help, with clubs reportedly circling hard in hopes of landing the superstar. Deals were said to have come close to fruition, including one rumored with the Buffalo Sabres around the time of the NHL Draft.
Since then, however, the situation has cooled considerably with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman offered his most substantial update on the matter in some time. Appearing on NHL Tonight, the Insider explained things have gone quiet on the trade front. Still, Friedman indicated he believes the 33-year-old Commerce, Michigan, native will be moved at some point in time.
Hellebuyck is coming off a season that, while solid, fell short of the otherworldly standard he had set in recent years. He finished with a 23-23-11 record, a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage.
That represents a notable step back from his back-to-back Vezina Trophy-winning seasons, during which he posted an 84-31-7 record, 13 more wins than the next-closest goaltender in the league, along with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage across 123 appearances.
Winnipeg has already added a potential contingency plan in the event Hellebuyck is dealt, acquiring former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who could serve as a dependable backup or step in as a replacement starter should a trade materialize.
The Jets have reportedly been in the market for a top-six forward for as long as 14 months, and any package sent back in a Hellebuyck deal could potentially address that need.
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