Carolina Hurricanes Put Together Big Trade Offer for Connor Hellebuyck

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a pitch for Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. On his site Hockey 24/7, Servalli reports that the offer is believed to include a first-round pick and pending RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

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There have been reports this week that the Hurricanes are open to moving Nikishin since he doesn’t want to ‘play ball’ on a contract extension, as other Hurricanes players have done before him. The 24-year-old who scored 11 goals in his rookie season and earned All-Rookie Team honors. Several teams have reportedly shown interest in a trade for Nikishin over the past 24-48 hours.

However, no one can offer what the Jets can in Hellebuyck, who would be a perfect fit for the Hurricanes, along with Brandon Bussi.

Carolina has plenty of ammunition to make a trade. They have four first-round picks over the next three drafts — surplus assets leftover from the Mikko Rantanen deal that brought Logan Stankoven in. The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup with a tandem goaltending approach, but appear willing to let Frederik Andersen go to market. Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and US Olympic gold medalist, would be a huge upgrade, making the Hurricanes a heavy favorite (they are already).

Would This Be Enough of a Return For the Jets?

The Jets still have significant decisions to make about their franchise netminder, including whether a return to Winnipeg is even possible. If he’s eager to go, the Jets have to get the best possible return. One might argue this is solid, but Winnipeg could get more. The first-round pick isn’t even that big a deal considering where the Hurricanes will draft.

The Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres have also been connected to the 33-year-old, as have a few other teams that would love in on the bidding. Carolina is considered better positioned in terms of assets. Utah, Detroit, and San Jose are among the other teams in the mix.

Next: $7M Forwards on Oilers’ Radar Amid Darnell Nurse Trade Talks