Who Then?: Jets Not Stuck on Getting Goalie Back in Hellebuyck Trade

If the Winnipeg Jets are going to make a trade that includes goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the simplest solution is to get a netminder back in the deal. With that said, it’s not necessarily what the Jets and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff are going to do.

In a recent article for The Athletic, journalist Murat Ates reports the following:

“If Cheveldayoff finds a trade partner who can’t spare a goaltender, there’s nothing stopping him from pivoting toward making multiple trades. In theory, the first would send Hellebuyck out the door for multiple first-round picks instead of roster players. That draft capital could then be used to shop for goaltending help in a subsequent deal — perhaps after giving Skinner some time to establish himself in his new city.”

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Ates does agree that trading Hellebuyck and getting a goalie back seems more likely. But, there are options in free agency and there are subsequent trades the Jets can make if a team that wants Hellebuyck isn’t parting with a goalie in the deal. No goalie back doesn’t squash trade discussions. It just means more moves are required.

Who Might the Jets Target?

Connor Ingram, Cam Talbot, James Reimer, Matt Murray, and Petr Mrazek were the possible UFAs that Ates mentioned in his post. All make some sense, but there is a feeling that none, when paired with Stuart Skinner, given the Jets the goaltending they need.

In a trade, there are several options that teams who have Hellebuyck on their radar might consider.

In Carolina, the options are Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov. In Buffalo, they have three: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. The Devils have three as well, with all of Jake Allen, Nico Daws, and David Rittich potentially available. The Golden Knights, who seem to be in on every major name, could make Adin Hill and Carter Hart available. A couple of sleeper teams are San Jose and Utah. The Sharks have Alex Nedeljkovic, Yaroslav Askarov, and Eric Comrie (it seems unlikely the Jets bring Comrie back). The Mammoth have Karel Vejmelka and Sebastian Cossa.

Not mentioned in his article, but the Edmonton Oilers could be an option. They could make Devon Levi available and they’d certainly be willing to trade Tristan Jarry.

Needless to say, there are teams that would trade a goaltender as part of the Hellebuyck package. Is it a mandate of the Jets? It doesn’t sound like it.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Wild, Devils & Oilers Goalie Need?