The Connor Hellebuyck trade conversation might finally be the one that blows up the quiet end of the NHL summer. Hell, it might just be getting started. Detroit is allegedly interviewing new GMs and whoever they hire will almost immediately need to come to a decision with their gold medalist. However, this blog isn’t about Dylan Larkin but rather Connor Hellebuyck. Rumors began running rampant after Hellebuyck’s locker room cleanout media availability. The star netminder sure seemed to open the door for a move. As the rumors swirled, it appeared like Hellebuyck was destined to end up in Buffalo or Carolina. July went by and nothing happened. Normally, trades of a Hellebuyck magnitude never happen this late into the offseason but that all changed today.
This afternoon, out of the clouds, Hellebuyck’s agent took to twitter and formally announced his client’s intent to find a new home. Yep, another USA gold medalist has demanded a trade. Not only has he requested a trade, but the goaltender apparently requested one quietly after the season. Sometimes rumors aren’t too good to be true.
This was a savvy move by Hellebuyck and his agent. Sure, the Jets are under no obligation to trade him but is this really the noise you want in your room as training camp begins? I’d assume that management team really wants that to be all the talk coming out of your local media during training camp. If this situation is not resolved it really doesn’t allow to lay a positive foundation going into the season.
Curiously, the Jets team account put out a statement. Rarely do we see a team acknowledge requests like this via Twitter. Usually, you see the GM discuss it at his next media availability or after a trade has been completed. The Jets took a different approach and almost immediately issued a statement. In the statement, the Jets seem like they are willing to explore the market but do not give off the impression they feel forced into making a move before camp breaks.
Connor Hellebuyck Trade: Buffalo, Carolina or New Jersey?
I don’t think waiting hurts the trade value for Hellebuyck. However, I really only believe two suitors truly remain and they are the same that were reported earlier this offseason. If, and when, Hellebuyck is traded I fully expect it to be to Buffalo or Carolina. Neither team have done anything to enhance their goaltending. Carolinas got worse when they lost Andersen. Buffalo’s goaltending might have got worse whenever they traded prospect Levi to the Edmonton Oilers, though largely it remains unchanged from last season. Buffalo’s goaltending was one of the only downsides to their season last year and getting someone as good as Hellebuyck into the building would make them instantly one of the strongest teams in the East. Unfortunately, it seems like Buffalo already tried and failed acquiring the goalie.
If Carolina were able to acquire the player well the rest of the East might want to just pack up. Carolina literally just won the cup two months ago with Brandon Bussi in goal. Their team has not gotten worse, and they could potentially add one of if not the best goaltender in the entire league.
I only have one other team who might make sense and they could quietly put together a super team. The New Jersey Devils might be a perfect landing spot for Hellebuyck. New Jersey traded their expensive goaltender this summer to Florida and really did absolutely nothing to fill those minutes. As it stands right now, Jake Allen, yes Jake Allen, is the top netminder for the Devils. Rumors died off pretty quickly that the Devils would seek a new goaltender after trading Markstrom because many believe New Jersey’s new GM isn’t interested in tying up a bunch of money in an extremely volatile position. There are some goalies worth a big ticket, and the lack of season-to-season variance is the reason why. Hellebuyck is one of the few goalies who is absolutely worth the money. Hellebuyck has had several seasons where he alone took the Jets to the playoffs. Hell, even when they finished top in the West two seasons ago, they were one of the worst offensive teams in the entire league, Hellebuyck was their saving grace in a season where they were one of the best teams in the league. That is exactly what New Jersey needs. I mentioned a super team because another USA Olympian might be getting moved to play in New Jersey. Yes, Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild have not come to terms on an extension. Anytime Hughes contract situation is up in the air everyone automatically points him to New Jersey. Obviously, both of his brother’s play in New Jersey so it’s only natural for him to want to go play with them. Friedman confirmed the lack of talks between Hughes and Minnesota earlier this week, only adding fuel to the fire that he will eventually be shipped to New Jersey. Maybe Hellebuyck will be coming him.
