Trust Issues Popping Up as Hellebuyck Linked to 2 Canadian Teams

What happens if Connor Hellebuyck is traded but not to a team in the United States? That’s a question some are starting to ask, since no deal has happened yet and Hellebuyck is rumored to have opened up to a trade to a place like Edmonton or Montreal. The idea of Hellebuyck helping a Canadian team is nice on paper, but not if he’ll still want out once the deal is finalized.

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Can Hellebuyck be trusted not to pull a fast one on the Oilers or Canadiens if either team acquired him as a way to get out of Winnipeg? If his ultimate goal is simply to play for a winner, Edmonton and Montreal are logical landing spots. But if his preference is to play in the United States, either team could potentially be viewed as a means to an end.

Hellebuyck has made it clear that winning is a priority. He wants a fresh start after requesting a trade from the Jets, and he has yet to report to camp as he waits for a deal to be finalized. So far, Winnipeg has held firm, unwilling to move him unless the return makes sense for the organization. There have also been reports that Hellebuyck doesn’t want to approve a trade to another Canadian team. But if no other option emerges, would he be willing to change his thinking?

It’s unclear whether either the Oilers or Canadiens would seriously consider Hellebuyck as a solution in goal. If they did, however, they’d likely have to consider his long-term intentions. Would Hellebuyck view a move to Edmonton or Montreal as the fresh start he’s looking for, or would he see it as a temporary stop before eventually seeking another trade and landing with a U.S. team?

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, Hellebuyck would report to Montreal “without hesitation”, making it sound like he’d be excited to be a Hab.

Can Hellebuyck’s Own Team Even Trust Him?

Meanwhile, Frank Seravalli reports that the door is open to him returning to the Jets. Seravalli claims that’s actually why this has gone on so long; the Jets…were hoping…that as the summer went on, Hellebuyck would decide to come back for another year. Even so, how will his teammates feel? Can they put all of this aside?

Maybe in the end, the Jets have to find a U.S. partner. San Jose and Utah might be teams to keep an eye on.

Next: NHL Trade Talk: The Podcast – Ep. 36: Hellebuyck, Larkin, Plus the Blue Jackets, Oilers & Maple Leafs