NHL Insider Says Hurricanes Have Given Most Consistent Offers for Connor Hellebuyck

On Wednesday, TSN's Darren Dreger gave an update on the Connor Hellebuyck situation, speaking on the morning show McKenna & Starr. The superstar goaltender is reportedly serving a team-issued suspension through Friday, when he intends to return to the Winnipeg Jets. 

At that point, the Jets will have to decide whether to trade him, keep him out of the lineup while still paying him, or allow him back into the locker room and on the trade front, the Carolina Hurricanes appear to remain interested. 

"As of [Tuesday], the only offer that Winnipeg, I wouldn't even say is considered, but seems to be consistent, is likely coming out of Carolina," Dreger said.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation Monday on his podcast, 32 Thoughts. He named the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and Utah Mammoth as the main contenders to land the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, though he noted that Carolina remains a potential fourth. Friedman said the Hurricanes are interested but that he doesn't believe a deal between the two clubs would be easy to make.

Carolina has several pieces it could part with in a move for Hellebuyck. Restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin is one option, though the Hurricanes reportedly don't believe the standout defenseman would sign an extension in Winnipeg.

Rookies Felix Unger Sörum and Bradly Nadeau could also be included in a return package. Carolina also owns three first-round picks over the next two seasons, which it could combine with those players in an offer for the Olympic gold medalist.

Hellebuyck is coming off a down year by his standards, posting a 23-23-11 record, a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage in 57 games. The Jets missed the playoffs for just the second time in the last nine seasons, and the Michigan native reportedly came to believe he needed a change of scenery.

With Friday’s deadline for a decision on Hellebuyck fast approaching, Winnipeg will have to choose a path, and that could mean agreeing to a deal with Carolina.

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