A new destination has emerged as a favorite to land Connor Hellebuyck
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Connor Hellebuyck's trade request is public, and one insider believes the Utah Mammoth deserve serious consideration as a landing spot.
Jesse Granger broke down the fit on the DLLS Stars Podcast, pointing to Utah's postseason push and goaltending workload as key factors.
I think Utah would be a really good fit. That's a team that we saw take a step last year, they gave Vegas all they can handle in the 1st round of the playoffs & Karel Vejmelka is good goalie but they're playing him like a true workhorse, like a Connor Hellebuyck, they're playing him 60 games a year and I don't think he's quite at that caliber.
Why Utah Makes Sense
Granger's comments highlight a real structural issue for the Mammoth. Vejmelka has already been handling a starter's workload, and while he's steady, he hasn't proven to be a true difference-maker in the crease the way Hellebuyck has.
Utah pushed the Golden Knights in round one last spring, showing the roster is close.
A three-time Vezina winner between the pipes could be the piece that turns a competitive team into a legitimate contender.
Hellebuyck confirmed this week that he requested a trade from Winnipeg months ago, citing a desire to move on.
His full no-movement clause means he controls the destination, and a deal to Buffalo reportedly came close over the summer before falling apart.
The Complicating Factor
Any deal will hinge on what Winnipeg wants back and whether Utah has the assets to make it worthwhile.
The Mammoth also just extended their timeline with a strong young core, so trading for a 33-year-old goalie signed through 2030-31 at $8.5 million would be a real commitment to win now.
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