The offers for Connor Hellebuyck aren’t there yet
TSN: There’s considerable interest in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but when the offers don’t are available in that fill GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s needs, why would he move him? Darren Dreger adds that you would be able to’t rule out the Jets keeping him.
“But have a look at it from Winnipeg’s perspective here, Gino. You may’t simply trade away a valued asset like Hellebuyck, who’s under contract until 2031, and never get back what you wish. We all know the Jets are available in the market for a No. 2 centre. They’d prefer to add a depth centre as well, possibly bolster their blue line. In the event that they trade Hellebuyck, what are they doing in goal? So it’d be great to get a goaltender back as a part of a package, as well.”
TSN: There are various teams thinking about Connor Hellebuyck, including the Florida Panthers, however the offers aren’t there yet, in line with Darren Dreger.
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“I can inform you, Gino, that the offers on this future Hall of Fame goaltender just flat out aren’t ok yet. It’s early within the week. Perhaps there may be developments moving forward. But I wanna remind everyone, Connor Hellebuyck is under contract with the Winnipeg Jets until 2031. So for him to get moved, the offers should improve.”
The rising cap makes Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million easier to slot in, and the Jets will need a bidding war to get the value up
Murat Ates: “With Connor Hellebuyck at $8.5M AAV and cap increases to return, it’s sensible to think about teams that used tandems lately + those who need a transparent No. 1. Hellebuyck’s deal is cap efficient such that -some- teams who didn’t need to spend on a 1G before can afford to now.
You may’t predict when a goaltender goes hot/cold within the playoffs. Tandems have strategic value — an unheralded G won the Cup every week ago. So the asset price via trade is probably not downright thrilling. However the cap efficiency boost is latest. It should expand the list of viable teams.
Ultimately, I believe Winnipeg’s ability to win a Hellebuyck trade — and thereby its likelihood of completing such a trade — goes way up if it’s capable of manufacture a bidding war. That’s not guaranteed however it ought to be possible IMO. He’s on a really short list for best within the NHL.
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Also, from the Jets’ perspective: what’s “winning”? In case you’re trading, you’re not getting the perfect player within the trade. So how good is the 2C (or other second line upgrade) you get back? Or big D? Or goaltender with upside? Or are you willing to go futures and keep wheeling.”
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