Elliotte Friedman gives a telling update on Connor Hellebuyck's trade
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Elliotte Friedman gave an honest update on where things stand with Connor Hellebuyck and why he still expects a move eventually.
The Connor Hellebuyck situation in Winnipeg has cooled off on the surface, but according to Elliotte Friedman, that doesn't mean it's over.
Speaking on NHL Tonight this past week, Friedman gave about as honest an update as you'll get from an insider this time of year.
He said it's quiet right now. He said he asked around and didn't get much back.
And yet he still walked away believing Hellebuyck gets moved at some point.
That kind of answer is almost more interesting than a big scoop would be.
It tells you the phones aren't ringing off the hook in August, but it also tells you nobody in the league thinks this is dead either.
Why the timing makes sense
Training camp tends to be when situations like this either heat up or fully cool off.
Teams start locking in their plans for the season, cap space gets clearer, and goaltending needs become harder to ignore.
Friedman pointed to that window specifically, saying this could be one of those things that picks up closer to camp.
Re Connor Hellebuyck future/ Jets: "I hear it's quiet; I still think he gets moved at some point in time; I asked around...I didn't get a lot; could be one of those things that picks up closer to training camp."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
For a franchise that already acknowledged listening to calls on its franchise goalie, that's not nothing.
What Jets fans are watching for
Hellebuyck still has five years left on his deal, so there's no clock forcing Winnipeg's hand.
But once a team opens the door to trading a player like this, it rarely closes quietly.
Fans are left watching training camp dates on the calendar as much as watching the standings.
For now, it's a waiting game.
Friedman's update doesn't confirm anything is close, but it keeps the door wide open.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Oilers did what no other team could: Traded away the NHL's 6th worst contract
Oilers did what no other team could: Traded away the NHL's 6th worst contract