Connor Hellebuyck trade: Hurricanes make new offer without Alexander Nikishin
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Elliotte Friedman says Carolina's offer for Connor Hellebuyck leaves out Alexander Nikishin, and Winnipeg clearly isn't sold. Buffalo and Nashville remain in play.
The Carolina Hurricanes want Connor Hellebuyck, but Elliotte Friedman doesn't think their current offer is getting it done.
Friedman shared that the package Carolina has on the table leaves out Alexander Nikishin, and he suggested the Winnipeg Jets would have already said yes if they were thrilled with it.
“I think whatever Carolina's got out there is a Non-Nikishin package, now if it was so spectacular to the Jets, this trade would be done already."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
That matters because Nikishin has been at the center of this entire saga.
Earlier reports pointed to a possible three-team deal that would send the young defenseman elsewhere, since he reportedly has no interest in signing in Winnipeg.
Without him in the package, Carolina's offer hasn't been enough to get Winnipeg to bite.
Carolina was reportedly disappointed when a separate Nikishin trade with the Rangers fell through.
Carolina isn't the only team in the mix
Friedman also named the Buffalo Sabres and Nashville Predators as teams he believes are still involved.
That gives Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff some breathing room, and there's no obvious reason for him to rush into a deal that doesn't move the needle.
The pressure on Carolina is real. If the Hurricanes truly want a goalie who has won three Vezina Trophies and a Hart Trophy, they may have to improve the offer or watch another club take a swing.
The Hellebuyck clock keeps ticking
Hellebuyck, 33, publicly requested a trade on Aug. 27, and the Jets suspended him without pay on Sept. 16 after he skipped training camp.
That suspension is reportedly set to end Friday, and Winnipeg has said it is open to him coming back.
Money makes this tougher. His contract carries an $8.5 million cap hit through 2031 and includes a full no-movement clause, so any deal needs his approval too.
For now, Carolina has the interest but not the finished deal, and with the suspension nearly over, this story could move fast.
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