Connor Hellebuyck's next team takes shape with a return revealed

It's the return Winnipeg wants. Kevin Cheveldayoff has told callers the Jets' biggest need is a top-six centre, and David Pagnotta reported the club wants a second-line centre plus a second-line winger to move its franchise goalie.

On the July 10 Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said he isn't sure Hellebuyck even starts next season in Winnipeg, floated a possible Buffalo circle-back, and noted Carolina has called without the pieces lining up.

That's the whole story, and it comes down to a single scarce position.

There's a second lock. Hellebuyck's full no-movement clause doesn't ease to a ten-team list until next July, and Elliotte Friedman said he'd only waive it for Buffalo today.

So the buyer pool is nearly empty before the price is even discussed.

Look at who's actually motivated to pay for a 33-year-old goalie coming off a .895 season on a team that missed the playoffs.

Buffalo needs elite goaltending, but Jarmo Kekalainen's roster finished last in the NHL on faceoffs and has spent the summer chasing centres like Vincent Trocheck and Robert Thomas.

A club that short down the middle cannot hand Winnipeg the exact position it lacks. That's why any Sabres deal keeps stalling.

The Hurricanes just won the Cup on committee goaltending, then let Frederik Andersen walk to Edmonton, so they don't need to overpay for a starter.

With Seth Jarvis out four to six months after shoulder surgery, they can't spare a forward either.

The clubs desperate enough to trade for Hellebuyck are the same clubs starved at centre.

Until one of them finds a pivot to give up, Winnipeg's asking price keeps the best goalie on the market frozen in place.

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