Insider: Changing Optics Might Help Oilers Acquire Connor Hellebuyck

Frank Seravalli added an interesting wrinkle to the standoff storyline between the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck on Thursday. In his latest Sportsnet column, the NHL insider suggested that Hellebuyck might be ready to change his stance on staying in the United States. He asks if the theory that he wants to go south of the border is an absolute dealbreaker, or just a preference.

Seravalli adds, “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?”

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For the Oilers, the timing is hard to ignore. Tristan Jarry gave up six goals in his season debut, the 10th time in 12 games as an Oiler that he has allowed four or more. Frederik Andersen’s December return feels a long way off. Edmonton can say all it wants that the problem is the skaters in front of Jarry, but whatever was making Jarry ineffective last season doesn’t look like it’s been fixed after opening night.

The Oilers Should Make the Call on Hellebuyck

The leverage isn’t with Edmonton, or even with Hellebuyck. As one executive told Seravalli, Winnipeg’s biggest weapon is time. Hellebuyck is suspended for failing to report and is losing $38,659 a day. He wants to play, and the Jets can wait. If his stance softens, that’s how it happens, and Canadian teams with real goaltending needs, like the Oilers, should find out just how willing Hellebuyck is to consider a change.

The bigger obstacle than getting Hellebuyck to consider the Oilers might be Edmonton’s ability to trade something of value back. A deal would likely require Winnipeg to get a goalie back — although that may have changed with the addition of Clay Stevenson. The Jets likely wouldn’t want Jarry, who has trade protection. Levi is unproven, and while the Oilers’ prospect pipeline is deep at the goalie position, none help what the Jets are trying to accomplish: compete this season.

Add a tight cap and thin player capital, and the Oilers don’t have much to offer.

Still, the Oilers have little margin for error. With Connor McDavid in his prime, a sputtering crease has been a problem for the Oilers for far too long. When will a goalie of Hellebuyck’s pedigree be on the market next?

The cost of at least exploring it is low. Hellebuyck might simply say no. But the Oilers have spent years paying for goaltending that never quite solved the problem. At some point, a longshot is better than another season of hoping it fixes itself.

Next: Soft Schedule, Hard Reality: Oilers Enter Season Banged Up and Under Pressure