Connor Hellebuyck trade could happen today after sudden twist in Jets talks

The Connor Hellebuyck saga may finally be wrapping up.

TSN insider Darren Dreger reported Friday morning that talks with Winnipeg have picked up serious steam, and a deal could get done as soon as today.

The timing makes sense.

Hellebuyck's three-week suspension for skipping training camp is set to end today, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Once it does, his $8.5 million cap hit lands back on the Jets' books and they would have to make room for him on the active roster.

Hellebuyck first voiced frustration with the team's direction in April, asked for a trade over the summer and went public with that request in August.

Winnipeg and Buffalo talked about a deal before the first round of the draft in June, but nothing got finished and the offseason went quiet.

Since then the market has narrowed.

Dreger said this week that Carolina is the one team showing steady interest, and he has also noted that Winnipeg wants players who can help right away rather than only picks and prospects.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported Monday that three teams are still firmly in the mix.

Hellebuyck holds a full no-move clause through next July, so he has a say in where he ends up.

His $8.5 million cap hit runs through 2030-31, which shrinks the list of teams that can fit him.

He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2024-25 Hart Trophy winner, so the Jets know what they're holding.

If nothing gets done, Winnipeg is staring at an awkward return for a goalie who wants out.

Dreger says a busy day is developing, so keep checking back.

Either way, the next few hours could decide where one of hockey's best goalies plays this season.

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