The Winnipeg Jets still have work to do if they want to settle the Connor Hellebuyck situation before camp.
That was the sense from Daily Faceoff’s David Pagnotta, who said the Jets remain open to talking with other teams, even if their preference is to keep the goaltender in Winnipeg. He said there is still “reluctant willingness” on the Jets’ side to have those conversations, but if a deal were close, it likely would have happened already.
Pagnotta also said Winnipeg has been firm about the price it would want if it does decide to move Hellebuyck. At the same time, he said the Jets are trying to convince him to stay and give it another run, with the belief that last season was an anomaly.
As Pagnotta laid it out, the Jets are pointing to the roster they’ve built around him. He mentioned Cole Perfetti’s new deal, the addition of Viggo Bjorck, another winger still being sought, two strong lines, and an improved defense after bringing in Mario Ferraro. The message from Winnipeg, according to Pagnotta, is simple: let’s see if this group can get back on track.
He said the ideal outcome for the Jets is obvious - they would prefer not to move the former Vezina and Hart winner. But he also stressed that the door is not shut on a trade if the right offer comes along.
Pagnotta added that if Hellebuyck is still with the team when camp opens, he expects the goalie to handle it professionally and move forward for now. Even so, he believes Winnipeg and Cheveldayoff’s group would still consider a deal if the right one materialized.
For now, though, it remains unresolved. Pagnotta said the situation is still sitting there on “July whatever 22nd,” with everyone waiting.
Gaffar said he expects that wait to continue, comparing it to the Dylan Larkin situation and suggesting it may not be settled until around training camp. He also said he could see Hellebuyck eventually issuing a statement to make clear, “I’m a Winnipeg Jet, and this is I don’t want it to be distraction anymore.
This is where I am. This is this is it.”
His point was straightforward: these kinds of questions can’t linger into camp. Gaffar said the Jets need clarity before the preseason spotlight ramps up, just as teams try to get these matters resolved before the media attention of the season begins.
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