Connor Hellebuyck sends another clear signal about his Jets future before training camp
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck skipped the Jets golf tournament, fueling more trade speculation as Winnipeg's Vezina winner pushes to leave before training camp opens.
Connor Hellebuyck skipped the Winnipeg Jets golf tournament on Monday, and at this point nobody around the team seems surprised anymore.
The three time Vezina winner requested a trade this summer, and his no show at the annual pre camp outing is just the latest sign that his time in Winnipeg is winding down.
Elliotte Friedman touched on the situation during his latest 32 Thoughts update, noting things have been quiet on the Hellebuyck front this weekend.
He pointed out that camp attendance was always in question, since the expectation all summer has been that Hellebuyck would not show up once the Jets officially opened things.
Friedman also mentioned that Hellebuyck is willing to go wherever gives him the best shot at winning, which narrows the list of potential fits more than fans might think.
Why the golf snub matters
Missing a casual team golf day might not sound like a big deal on its own, but combined with everything else, it reads as confirmation.
Hellebuyck has not backed off his trade request since it became public, and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has yet to find a deal that gets it done.
Every day that passes without a resolution adds more pressure heading into training camp, which opens later this week.
What comes next for the Jets
Winnipeg still has to figure out its crease picture if Hellebuyck never suits up again.
Stuart Skinner is already in the fold, and the Jets could lean on him more heavily if this drags into the season.
Teams across the league know Hellebuyck wants out, and that gives Winnipeg less leverage the longer this stretches on.
Training camp was supposed to be about fresh starts.
Instead, all eyes are on a goalie who might not even be there.
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