Jets send a message to their locker room with Connor Hellebuyck trade talks

Speaking on TSN's Insider Trading, Dreger called the eventual deal a franchise-changing move for a team that has leaned on its star goalie for years. But he stressed the return has a second job.

The Jets want their players to know the organization is "not bracing for a rebuild," and that help is on the way.

That helps explain why general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has not grabbed the first pile of picks and prospects.

Dreger has reported that Winnipeg has not seen an offer with fair value for an elite goalie who still has years left on his contract, and the Jets want players who can contribute right away.

The situation is messy. Hellebuyck went public with a trade request, and the Jets suspended him for not reporting to camp.

Cheveldayoff says there is no timeline for a deal and that a return to the lineup is up to the goalie.

Hellebuyck also holds trade protection, and Dreger says he will not waive it to stay in Canada. Buffalo has been viewed as the closest fit, while Anaheim and Utah have also taken a look.

Not everyone believes Winnipeg can hold out forever. Dreger has also suggested the Jets may eventually have to accept the best offer on the table, even if it is mostly picks and prospects, instead of waiting for the ideal return. That would test the message he describes.

Stuart Skinner, signed to a two-year deal in July, remains the fallback in net, although a rough night in Colorado raised questions about that plan.

The Jets are coming off a 35-35-12 season, so the next move matters. Fans and teammates alike will be watching to see whether Winnipeg's answer looks like a contender or a reset.

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