New York Rangers
Will the Rangers Trade for Connor Hellebuyck? “Quick” Fix Makes More Sense
Don’t expect the New York Rangers to trade for Connor Hellebuyck, but a Quick fix might be in the cards.
With Igor Shesterkin out for the season, the internet has already found the Rangers a replacement. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says not so fast. On Sportsnet’s Saturday Headlines, Friedman addressed the wave of online speculation linking Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck to New York. “Don’t expect it,” he said, adding that he doesn’t think the fit works.
Why Hellebuyck to the Rangers Doesn’t Add Up
Friedman pointed to the contracts. Both goalies would be locked into long-term deals beyond this season if they were on the same roster, leaving the Rangers with a lot of money tied up in one position. $20 million in goalies is a lot, even if the salary cap keeps rising. $8.5 for Hellebucyk until 2031. Shesterkin is locked in at $11.567 until 2033. Asking the Rangers to have both goalies there and competing for the top spot after this season is unreasonable, even if Hellebuyck solves the Rangers’ issues this season.
It would mean flipping Hellebuyck during the summer, and assuming he’d be open to leaving and not using his no-trade clause to hold the Rangers to paying him.
There’s also the question of what Winnipeg would want. The Jets have reportedly been seeking a goalie plus players who can help them win now. The Rangers are the NHL’s youngest team, so they could realistically offer only prospects and futures.
A surprise is never impossible, but the prevailing view is that a deal isn’t in the works.
Jonathan Quick Could Get a Phone Call
For now, the Rangers will lean on Dylan Garand. With Joonas Korpisalo out another four weeks, New York called up Spencer Martin from AHL Hartford to back him up. Friedman expects the club to stay patient and avoid a panic move.
It’s far from the tandem the Rangers started the season with, but it gives Garand a chance to prove himself at the NHL level.
A short-term veteran option seems in New York more likely than a blockbuster. That could mean someone like Jonathan Quick coming out of retirement to help his old team. According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan:
“The Rangers are now expected to explore goalie help. Jonathan Quick, 40, is comfortable in retirement and now serves as NYR’s Director of Goaltending Development. But if the Rangers asked him to play, sources believe he could be a possibility.”
Next: Would Rangers Look to Oilers To Solve Shesterkin Injury Problem?
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