Hellebuyck to Toronto Could Create More Problems Than It Solves

The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t exactly need another goalie. At least, that’s what they would probably say right now. They already have Sergei Bobrovsky. They have Anthony Stolarz. They have other organizational depth behind them. Goaltending isn’t supposed to be the thing keeping John Chayka awake at night.

Still, it’s hard not to be interested when a goalie like Connor Hellebuyck hits the trade market. One article suggested the Maple Leafs should do whatever they can to get him, which sounds a bit wild at first. Toronto has other needs to address, the cap is already a headache, and adding another expensive goalie would create just as many problems as it solves.

The simple truth is that Connor Hellebuyck is an elite goalie, and players like him don’t become available often. That’s why the Leafs may have to at least consider whether this opportunity is too good to pass up.

Hellebuyck Might Have Made Sense a Few Months Ago

There was a time when Hellebuyck to Toronto made some sense. The Maple Leafs needed a starting goalie, Hellebuyck was available in theory, and adding a three-time Vezina winner would have been a pretty exciting move. But that was before Toronto signed Sergei Bobrovsky.

Toronto committed to Bobrovsky on July 1, signing him to a three-year, $21 million contract. The deal includes a full no-movement clause, and while his .877 save percentage last season wasn’t great, his two Stanley Cup wins and playoff experience still matter. The important thing is that the Leafs have already decided he’s their guy in net.

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Trading for Hellebuyck Would Create a Huge Mess

Adding Hellebuyck now would create a massive problem. Bobrovsky carries a $7 million cap hit, while Hellebuyck would add another $8.5 million. That’s $15.5 million tied up in two goalies, and the Maple Leafs are already projected to be right around the salary cap limit.

The phrase “get creative with the cap” sounds nice, but it isn’t a plan. Toronto would have to move multiple contracts, probably give up valuable assets to make those deals happen, and still convince Winnipeg to accept a major return for Hellebuyck. That’s a lot of work just to create a goalie situation that was supposed to be solved in July.

Why Would Bobrovsky Leave Toronto for Winnipeg?

The Maple Leafs can’t simply trade Bobrovsky to make room. His full no-movement clause means he has to approve any move, and his age, contract and recent regular-season numbers probably wouldn’t make him an easy player to trade anyway.

Then there’s the price for Hellebuyck himself. He may have asked out of Winnipeg, but that doesn’t suddenly make him inexpensive. He still has five years left on his contract, and the Jets would be moving a goalie with an elite résumé. They would want picks, prospects and NHL-ready help.

There’s a Good Bet Hellebuyck Will Land in the United States

Toronto might be unwilling to include Easton Cowan, but protecting him would only make the rest of the package more expensive. There’s also no strong indication that Hellebuyck specifically wants Toronto. Most of the serious interest appears to be coming from American teams. Smart money would pick somewhere south of the border.

The Maple Leafs had a reason to explore this idea before signing Bobrovsky. Now they have already placed their bet. Chasing Hellebuyck would be less about fixing the crease and more about creating an expensive mess.

Related: Will Maple Leafs Realize They Made a Huge Goaltending Mistake?