There’s still plenty of uncertainty hanging over the Winnipeg Jets, and Connor Hellebuyck remains right in the middle of it.
Murat Ates of The Athletic reported that the situation around Hellebuyck and the Jets is still very much unsettled, even if a move this offseason does not look especially likely right now. It remains possible, but the sense is that another team may have to wait until its own goaltending situation goes sideways before making a serious push for him.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff also made it clear that this summer is not about standing pat. He said, “There’s going to be a lot of changes to this team when you come to training camp.”
One of the biggest issues still sitting in Winnipeg is the second line. The Jets need help there, and Anthony Mantha is the top free-agent forward still on the board. Winnipeg has about $12 million in cap space, but it also still has to get restricted free agent Cole Perfetti signed.
Around the league, Luke Fox of Sportsnet ran through the top remaining unrestricted free agents, and a few names stand out.
Anthony Manta is still drawing interest from the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Jets, all of whom are looking for wingers.
Patrick Kane could be working on a deal with the Sabres. Logan Stanley has been the subject of some very different contract chatter, with Frank Seravalli reporting he could be seeking a four- or five-year deal worth around $25 million, while one report has him talking to the Jets on a six-year deal at $7 million per season.
Eeli Tolvanen is looking for term, while Vladimir Tarasenko has recently hired Dan Milstein as his agent and should land a short-term contract. Claude Giroux is expected to be in what may be his final season, and the note there is that he will be re-signing with the Ottawa Senators.
John Klingberg could be on the radar for the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers as a right-handed defenseman. Patrik Laine is another name still out there, with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild mentioned as possible teams willing to take him on as a project. Michael Bunting could end up taking a one-year deal and a pay cut, and Cam Talbot, who played 34 games last season with a .883 save percentage, is also among the names still available.
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