Insider Names the Determined Team He Expects to Land Hellebuyck

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The Connor Hellebuyck saga may be nearing a conclusion, and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman wonders if Utah is where it ends. On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman said he believes the Utah Mammoth are determined to land the Winnipeg Jets goaltender. He also noted that when they have their sights set on something, it often pans out.

A good young team working its way into being regular playoff contenders, Friedman pointed to how Utah operates. “If they want something, like you look at Vincent Trocheck, they wanted Trocheck for a year at least, and finally got him,” Friedman said. He noted that Utah has been in and out of the Hellebuyck conversation, which tells him they’re interested. “Now that it’s real, I just want to see if they’re a factor at the end of all this.”

Friedman said a few teams hold the keys. Buffalo has wanted Hellebuyck for some time, and Friedman said the goalie is willing to go there. The Rangers are another piece, though not because they want him. Friedman said the Igor Shesterkin injury could set off a chain reaction through the goalie market, depending on what Chris Drury does.

Utah is the third team, and a big season ahead may explain their interest. As for how it might work, Karel Vejmelka could go to the Rangers to fill the hole left by Igor Shesterkin. That would open the spot in Utah for them to add Hellebuyck. There is some concern about the fact Vejmelka is locked into a contract until 2030, but it’s at a cost of $4.75 million, which is not a massive commitment for the Rangers, even when Shesterkin returns.

Will the Hellebuyck Situation Be Resolved by Friday?

There’s a deadline, even if not a hard one. Hellebuyck’s suspension ends Friday, and Friedman believes that if the Jets can’t move him by then, they’ll pay him to stay home. It’s costly to keep him and not have him play, but the Jets aren’t going to rush a trade. They’ll consider solid offers, which might come if Hellebuyck can return to the lineup.

Friedman doesn’t see a fit with Los Angeles right now, while Carolina is always in the picture. Utah has reportedly spoken with the Jets, but nothing has gotten serious because of the uncertainty surrounding where Hellebuyck is and what he plans to do.

Hellebuyck’s situation is also a concern for potential buyers. Chris Johnston said scouts have raised questions about which version of the goalie a team would get. “You don’t really know what he’s doing,” he said.

Friday could answer a lot of those questions.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Jets, Senators, Canucks & Oilers