Hellebuyck Likes Sharks, But Obstacle Opens Door for Oilers and Hurricanes

The Connor Hellebuyck trade situation continues to get more interesting as the days unfold. On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman added a new wrinkle to the storyline, reporting that the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets briefly discussed a trade. He added that Hellebuyck was open to joining San Jose, even if the Sharks aren’t sure they can meet the goaltender’s specific ask.

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Friedman explained: “So I’ve asked what happened between San Jose and Winnipeg. And the best answer I got is they talked, but it never really went a long way.” He added, “I think Hellebuyck looks at this as the big three-year window. Three years where that’s where he wants to go to a team that he thinks can win in the next three years.”

He added, “And I’ve heard that he would consider San Jose. But what I’ve also heard is that they’re are not sure they’re in that window.”

In other words, Hellebuyck sees the Sharks as a team that can compete, which is what he wants. Meanwhile, the Sharks aren’t sure they’re going to be Stanley Cup contenders in the next three seasons. They believe they’re improving and they might be in the mix for the playoffs, but Cup contenders might be pushing their timeline.

If his priority is winning while he’s on this current contract, the Sharks might feel as though they owe it to him to add pieces that push up their competitive timeline. GM Mike Grier might not be keen to veer from their plan. At the same time, the Sharks did add pieces this summer that suggest they’re taking an aggressive stance. They added Darnell Nurse and Jacob Trouba on the blue line. They signed Mason Marchment as a forward. Adding Hellebuyck would signal their intent to be contenders.

Does This Open a Door For Other NHL Teams?

If Hellebuyck’s priority is winning in the next three seasons, that creates an interesting question. Which teams could use a goaltender that are also pushing? The Edmonton Oilers come to mind. They have questions in goal with Tristan Jarry, Devon Levi, and an injured Frederik Andersen as their trio. They also have a Cup-or-bust mentality.

Frank Seravalli reported in late September, “If the Oilers continue to reel in goal — Tuesday’s opener made Frederik Andersen’s December debut feel a long way off — could they consider making a play for Hellebuyck? Would Hellebuyck soften his stance to make it a possibility?” Are the Oilers waiting to see if Levi is the real deal? How much rope do they give Jarry?

The Carolina Hurricanes are another team that would fit what Hellebuyck is looking for. They’re the defending Stanley Cup champions and they’re clearly going for it again. With Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov as their tandem, they might see the value in Hellebuyck. Then again, the Hurricanes won the Cup without a star netminder. They might be confident they can do so again.

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