Jets reportedly declined a second major Connor Hellebuyck trade offer
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck has gone public with his trade request, and Carolina's Nikishin and first round offer looks relevant again.
Connor Hellebuyck is no longer keeping his frustration behind closed doors.
The three-time Vezina Trophy winner confirmed Thursday through a statement from his agent Ray Petkau that he privately asked the Winnipeg Jets for a trade months ago and is now going public with training camp closing in fast.
Hellebuyck said his position has not changed and that moving on is the best path forward for him and his family.
The announcement instantly reshapes a market that had gone quiet since late June, when the Carolina Hurricanes put together the first real offer for the 33 year old, headlined by restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin and a first round pick.
Carolina still fits the puzzle
That Carolina package never got a deal done before the draft, but the fit still makes sense on paper.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions currently sit with roughly $9.8 million in projected cap space, comfortably enough room to take on Hellebuyck's $8.5 million hit without needing to shed another contract first.
Winnipeg missed the playoffs entirely last season, finishing eight points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild card spot, a stunning fall after winning the Presidents Trophy the year before.
Hellebuyck still put together a strong individual year regardless, backstopping Team USA to Olympic gold in February and adding the Hart and Jennings trophies to his collection in 2025 to go along with his third career Vezina.
Hellebuyck is signed through the 2030-31 season at that $8.5 million cap hit and currently carries a full no-movement clause, meaning nothing happens unless he approves the destination himself.
What comes next for Winnipeg
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has said only that the organization is listening, but a public trade request changes the calculus.
Teams like Buffalo, Florida, Utah, Detroit and San Jose have all been mentioned as suitors at various points this summer, and Carolina now has fresh motivation to get back to the table before camps open on September 16.
Whether the Hurricanes sweeten their offer or a new team steps forward, the goaltender carousel is officially back in motion.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
New report details alleged J.T. Miller altercation with Canucks staff after 2024 loss
New report details alleged J.T. Miller altercation with Canucks staff after 2024 loss