NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities
By Marci Rubin
NHL Rumors: Will Connor Hellebuyck be in Winnipeg in October?
With all the noise surrounding a potential Connor Hellebuyck trade this offseason, it now seems more likely he’ll be in Winnipeg this fall. The Jets were hoping to trade their elite goalie this summer. If the Jets fail to move Hellebuyck before the end of next season they will lose him in free agency next offseason as he doesn’t intend to re-sign with them.
The 30-year-old is considered one of the most valuable goalies currently in the NHL, earning 37 wins with a .920 SV% and 2.49 GAA in the 2022-23 season. However, the Jets hit a major stumbling block while trying to trade Hellebuyck. His desired salary for an extension is too high a price for interested teams.
The New Jersey Devils have shown interest in Hellebuyck and seem to keep circling around a potential trade, but nothing has come to fruition. The Devils could decide to go for a cheaper option or roll with their current goalies, Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. Aside from the Devils, things have been quieter in the past few weeks on who is still interested in Hellebuyck.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman told the NHL Network this week that sources told him they “wouldn’t be surprised if Hellebuyck starts the year in Winnipeg.” He pointed out an important question the Jets have, which is, do they have a replacement for Hellebuyck? The Jets are looking to contend for a playoff spot. So it seems Hellebuyck might start the season in Winnipeg. That doesn’t mean he’ll end the season there, though, as the Jets could still look to nab a return for him before his contract expires.