Connor Hellebuyck hit with a harsh reality following Jets trade request
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Buffalo News columnist Mike Harrington is not convinced Connor Hellebuyck is the goaltending savior the Sabres need, even as trade buzz around the Winnipeg netminder heats up again ahead of training camp.
Speaking on Oilers Now, Harrington delivered a blunt assessment of the potential fit.
He's not been a good playoff goalie in multiple years. He's a 33 year old goalie at 8.5M$ on the cap for the next 5 years with tremendous regular-season success but the Buffalo Sabres are in their Stanley Cup window and I'm still struggling to see an upgrade there in terms of playoff goaltending given Connor Hellebuyck's struggles in the playoffs.
The Numbers Behind the Skepticism
Harrington's concerns track with the data. Hellebuyck has posted an .870 save percentage across his last 23 playoff appearances, a stretch that includes three straight postseason exits with Winnipeg.
He is also coming off a down regular season by his own standards, finishing at .895 in 57 games.
Add in a cap hit that runs through 2031, and the Sabres would be committing significant term to a goalie whose recent playoff track record does not match his three Vezina Trophies.
Buffalo's Current Goalie Room
The Sabres already carry a three-man rotation of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis, a group that produced a strong regular-season save percentage last year even if the results faded in the playoffs.
Whether adding Hellebuyck actually solves Buffalo's postseason goaltending question, or simply adds an expensive variable, remains the central debate as trade talks resume.
Ultimately, this could be one of the biggest trades of the entire year, if and when the Jets find themselves a suitor.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Connor Hellebuyck ripped to shreds by legendary ESPN commentator
Connor Hellebuyck ripped to shreds by legendary ESPN commentator