It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours as we close in on a busy period in the NHL calendar. We’re only a day away from the first round of the NHL Draft and free agency starts on Saturday. General managers are trying to decide if they can keep valuable pieces or have to trade them. There could be some major blockbuster deals on the way. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at the latest on the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: Scott Billeck of The Winnipeg Sun takes a look at the latest surrounding goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
Could goalie swell hinder Connor Hellebuyck's return for #NHLJets? https://t.co/QQIMYeDHw1
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) June 24, 2023
Analysis: Billeck said the glutted goalie market could pose a problem for Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. There are a lot of goalies on the market and some teams could be tempted go cheaper than Hellebuyck. The market has plenty of unrestricted free agents out there that could be a more manageable option for teams. Winnipeg wants a large return if it does trade the former UMass-Lowell product.
Hellebuyck is an elite goalie, but do teams want to pony up for the large asking price? The Michigan native is going to be a UFA after next season and he’ll probably command a large payday. He’s making over $6 million in the final year of his contract, but he’ll probably want a big raise. The 30-year-old has been one of the best netminders in the league, but younger and cheaper might be the way teams go. This may be especially true because of the flat salary cap era that’s going on.
Colorado Avalanche
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Avalanche haven’t completely giving up on re-signing J.T. Compher.
Avs also haven’t closed the door on trying to re-sign pending UFA J.T. Compher but it’s going to have to make sense for them. Compher had a career year this past season https://t.co/C1X30aboG2
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 24, 2023
Analysis: Compher is a UFA and is looking for a new contract. The Northbrook, Ill. native made $3.5 million in his last deal and is probably seeking a raise. He’s been in double-digit goals every full season since the 2017-18 season. Compher had a solid Stanley Cup Playoff run when the Avalanche won the crown in 2021-22.
It’s likely that Avalanche won’t have the cap space to make a deal happen. However, some new factors may emerge to let the deal happen. Gabriel Landeskog might go back onto long-term injured reserve and that would free up some cap space. Compher had a career-high 52 points last season on the third line. The free agent class in the centre spot is kind of thin and Compher might get a good contract.
However, there’s always the lure of coming back to Colorado. LeBrun said the two sides have been talking and didn’t rule out a return to Denver. The Avalanche may have to deal with the Chicago Blackhawks as competition for Compher’s services.
Main photo by: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
