Elliotte Friedman hints at an unexpected twist in the Connor Hellebuyck saga
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Elliotte Friedman says talk of Connor Hellebuyck returning to the Jets is growing, though he doesn't think anyone involved wants it, including the goalie.
The Connor Hellebuyck saga in Winnipeg just took another unexpected turn.
On Monday's 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said chatter about the goaltender potentially coming back to the Jets is picking up steam, even with his trade request still unresolved.
Friedman was quick to add that this isn't a reunion anyone is excited about.
He doesn't believe Hellebuyck wants it, the Jets want it, the players want it, or the fans want it.
His point is that time may force the issue.
If the standoff keeps dragging on, Hellebuyck could eventually run out of alternatives.
"There's starting to become a lot of talk about Hellebuyck potentially coming back.
“I don't think anybody involved wants that. I don't think Hellebuyck wants that. I don't think the Jets want that. I don't think the Jets players want that. I don't think the fans want that
“It's just that if this drags on he eventually may have no choice."
- Elliotte Friedman
“I don't think anybody involved wants that. I don't think Hellebuyck wants that. I don't think the Jets want that. I don't think the Jets players want that. I don't think the fans want that
“It's just that if this drags on he eventually may have no choice."
- Elliotte Friedman
Why a return is even on the table
Hellebuyck made his trade request public in late August and then stayed away from training camp.
The Jets suspended him, so he isn't collecting a paycheck while he waits.
Reports peg the loss at $39,000 for every regular season day he misses.
His $8.5 million cap hit also stays off Winnipeg's books, and the contract still has five years left on it.
That price tag is a big reason no deal has come together.
Carolina has been described as the most motivated suitor, and Buffalo was reportedly the closest to getting something done at one point, but nothing has crossed the finish line.
The Jets also want any trade to send a message to their dressing room.
How the Jets are holding up
Winnipeg hasn't exactly fallen apart without him.
The Jets are 3-1-1 through five games, and they host Minnesota on Tuesday before visiting Chicago on Thursday.
Insider David Pagnotta reported that plenty of people inside the organization would rather see this resolved than see Hellebuyck walk back in.
For now, there is no announced return and no completed trade.
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Connor Hellebuyck trade to the Florida Panthers takes sudden turn
Connor Hellebuyck trade to the Florida Panthers takes sudden turn