Following the fallout of the Winnipeg Jets 2022-23 season, a reshuffle may be on the cards. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is one of those cards. Players expressed their disappointment at head coach Rick Bowness’ comments regarding the team’s unceremonious out of the playoffs by eventual finalists, the Vegas Golden Knights.
Furthermore, a significant portion of the Jets’ core is a year away from free agency or will see their contract expire in the off-season. Combining these two factors seems to have presented Winnipeg with an opportunity to retool, with the future of key players potentially lying elsewhere as a result.
Could Connor Hellebuyck Leave the Winnipeg Jets?
Per Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, one strong contender to leave Manitoba is Connor Hellebuyck.
The Michigan-born goaltender has once again had a stellar year. He is one of the Jets’ most consistent and talented players; there is no doubt that in an ideal world, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff would like to keep him.
However, Hellebuyck has only one year left on his current deal. With unrestricted free agency looming, the former Vezina Trophy will have no trouble cashing in on his reputation and landing a huge deal.
As a result, Cheveldayoff could look to deal the 30-year-old and avoid the risk of losing him for nothing next year.
What Would a Deal Look Like?
It is fair to say that even with one year left on his contract, Hellebuyck will cost a pretty penny.
Whilst you would imagine a first-round pick would be on the table, the Jets are not a bottom-of-the-barrel club; the focus on any other draft capital might not be as strong.
With that in mind, one should imagine that an NHL-ready player or a high-level prospect would be on Cheveldayoff’s wish list.
With this year’s goaltending free agency class quite weak, it would also be likely that the Jets could look for Hellebuyck’s replacement among an interested club’s roster.
Where Is The Best Landing Spot?
As highlighted by Seravalli, several clubs have been highlighted as possible trade partners. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would enjoy being on a contender. However, two stick out as the most interesting.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils made tremendous strides this season, reaching the second round of the playoffs. While their goaltending has been fine, improvements are required to go the extra mile With recent acquisitions such as Timo Meier, the Devils have already shown they are willing to make whatever deals necessary.
New Jersey does not have a first-round pick this year, but a 2024 pick could be of interest. Furthermore, they have plenty of prospects with very bright futures, some of who are on the cusp of taking the next step to the NHL. These are players who could be of great interest to the Jets.
Pittsburgh Penguins
A trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins is a fascinating one. New general manager Kyle Dubas has quite a headache with Pittsburgh’s goaltending, as first-choice Tristan Jarry will hit free agency.
Jarry is a fine goaltender, having represented the Penguins twice at the All-Star Game. However, he is injury-prone and has suffered concerning wobbles at key points during the regular season. Dubas will also be very aware of his poor playoff record, winning just two of his eight appearances.
Should Pittsburgh move for Hellebuyck, their prospect pool would be off-limits purely due to it being so shallow. However, the club does have a few NHL-ready players who could be of interest.
One option is Bryan Rust. On an underwhelming Penguins side, he struggled last season. Prior to last year however, he was a mainstay on Pittsburgh’s top-six and a consistent high-scorer. Rust could easily bounce back with a change of scenery.
Another is goaltender Casey DeSmith. As Jarry’s back-up, he has performed to an acceptable level, but Dubas may wish to trade him and have a completely fresh start between the pipes. For Winnipeg, this would provide them with a proven back-up with just one year left on his contract if it does not work out.
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