Elliotte Friedman reveals Jets' stance on Alexander Nikishin in Connor Hellebuyck trade talks
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Elliotte Friedman says Winnipeg never warmed to the idea of taking Alexander Nikishin from Carolina just to trade him elsewhere in a Connor Hellebuyck deal.
The Hellebuyck saga has dragged on for weeks now, and every few days brings a new wrinkle.
The latest comes from Friedman, who addressed a theory that's been floating around hockey circles since the Hurricanes first showed interest in the Jets' star goaltender.
What friedman actually said
On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman shot down the notion that Winnipeg could simply absorb Nikishin from Carolina and then turn around and ship him to a third team for a different return.
Someone had floated that exact scenario to him, and his response made it clear the Jets never showed real interest in going that route.
It's a small detail, but it says a lot about how Kevin Cheveldayoff's front office is approaching this entire situation.
Re Connor Hellebuyck trade request/Hurricanes: "Someone said to me, why don't the Jets just take Alexander Nikishin and then flip him? I don't think that appealed to them at all."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Why this matters for both sides
Nikishin remains unsigned as a restricted free agent, and that alone complicates any deal involving him, whether he lands in Winnipeg or somewhere else entirely.
If the Jets truly have no appetite for taking on that kind of asset just to move it again, it narrows the paths this trade could realistically take.
Carolina still wants Hellebuyck, and Winnipeg still hasn't rushed anything, but the flip idea appears to be off the table for now.
With training camp underway and both sides digging in, fans are left wondering just how much longer this standoff can last before something finally gives.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Connor Hellebuyck reportedly willing to accept trade to two Canadian teams "in a minute"
Connor Hellebuyck reportedly willing to accept trade to two Canadian teams "in a minute"
Previously on House Of Hockey