Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck nearing an agreement

TSN insider Darren Dreger says the two sides may quietly agree to hold off on the goaltender's physical until the outdoor spectacle has passed. Dreger explained:

The Jets host the Montreal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25, in the franchise's third outdoor regular-season game.

Winnipeg last staged a Heritage Classic in 2016, when the Edmonton Oilers won 3-0, so the club wants this week to belong to the fans and the product on the ice.

Hellebuyck's suspension ended on Oct. 17, and a physical is typically the next box to check before a player gets back to work.

Pushing it back would keep a high-profile, trade-minded goaltender out of the spotlight during the biggest event on Winnipeg's calendar.

None of this slows the bigger storyline. Dreger noted earlier this week that Carolina is the only suitor offering something consistent, and Winnipeg has reportedly held firm on wanting immediate help in any package.

Buffalo, Anaheim and Utah have all been linked at different points, yet no deal has materialized.

The Jets have also shown they will not rush into a move they dislike. Elliotte Friedman said they would prefer closure soon but would rather keep waiting than accept a trade they view as bad. A delayed physical fits that patience, buying everyone a few more quiet days.

For now, the focus shifts to Sunday night in Winnipeg, where the Jets and Canadiens take the ice outdoors. Once the festivities wrap up, attention will swing right back to Hellebuyck's medical clearance, his readiness, and which team ultimately lands the 2025 Hart and Vezina winner.

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