Connor Hellebuyck trade saga takes another turn as Darren Dreger addresses Jets reunion rumors
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Darren Dreger does not expect Connor Hellebuyck back with the Jets, saying the focus stays on a trade that brings Winnipeg a fair return.
Connor Hellebuyck is not heading back to the Winnipeg Jets, at least not if TSN insider Darren Dreger has this right.
He said Thursday that he does not expect the goalie to return, and that the plan has not changed.
Winnipeg still wants a trade that brings back a fair return.
Re Connor Hellebuyck potential Jets return: "The focus remains on getting Hellebuyck traded and the Jets getting a fair return; I do not expect to see Hellebuyck back with the Jets."
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
The reunion chatter got going because Hellebuyck has been at home during a holdout, and the money he is giving up keeps piling up.
He has already missed out on more than $600,000.
Dreger understands the pressure that creates, but he called the return talk speculation.
This standoff started when Hellebuyck asked for a trade and later made the request public.
The Jets suspended him after he skipped camp, and he has stayed away since.
Why the Jets are in no hurry
Part of the reason is that Winnipeg has been fine without him.
The Jets have dropped only one game in regulation, which takes some of the urgency out of the whole situation.
Dreger also gave general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff credit for his patience, since offers and conversations with other GMs have been rolling in for months and nobody has stepped up with a deal.
The Rangers are one team that has checked in.
Dreger confirmed earlier this week that New York and Winnipeg have talked, though the Rangers feel no rush and do not want to meet the Jets' price right now.
What makes a deal tricky
Money is one hurdle, since Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million cap hit.
He also has trade protection, and Dreger has reported that he will not waive it to stay in Canada.
That shrinks the pool of suitors fast.
For now, Hellebuyck waits at home, the Jets keep collecting points and the market stays quiet. Winnipeg is still searching for a fit.
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