Elliotte Friedman’s Saturday Headlines added a surprising twist to the Connor Hellebuyck situation: the New York Rangers may end up shaping the trade market without any real intention of bringing him in themselves.
That matters because New York does need help in goal with Igor Shesterkin out for the season. Still, Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million cap hit is not something the Rangers want to absorb. The idea, according to Friedman, is that the Rangers could instead swing a different goalie deal that helps loosen the market and gives another team a cleaner path to Hellebuyck.
“I still think the Rangers could have a lot to say on what could happen here,” Friedman explained. “Not for Hellebuyck, but to make potentially another move that could open up the goalie market.” He also said Sportsnet’s Frank Seravalli has confirmed real interest from the Kings, while Carolina has been in talks that have not yet led to a workable fit.
If New York does act, the most likely partners would be teams already tied to Winnipeg in Hellebuyck chatter: Buffalo, Carolina, or Los Angeles.
The names on the Rangers’ radar are a mix of short-term, lower-cost options. From Carolina, Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are in the mix.
From Los Angeles, Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg are possibilities. Buffalo’s group includes Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Luukkonen is the one to watch. Friedman noted that while he reportedly would not waive his no-move clause for a move to Winnipeg, he could be willing to go to the Rangers. That could create the kind of domino effect this situation seems to need: New York lands Luukkonen, Buffalo then packages that return and additional assets, and Winnipeg finally gets the Hellebuyck deal it has been waiting for.
The bigger picture is pretty clear. The Rangers are looking at affordable goalie options, not a major commitment. That rules out Hellebuyck from the jump and keeps the focus on cheaper, shorter-term choices like Kochetkov or Bussi.
Hellebuyck’s suspension ends Friday, and with Winnipeg reportedly not interested in a reunion, the sense is growing that the Jets could move him sooner rather than later. Friedman said Winnipeg won’t force a trade just to force one, but there’s also no benefit to keeping him around while paying him to stay away from the team.
Even so, the timing may hinge on New York. If the Rangers make their move first, it could be the piece that gets the entire goalie market moving.
In Other News...
Former Jet Comes Back To Haunt Winnipeg In Painful Loss
The night had a little extra weight before the puck even dropped, with the ceremony in support of the Toba Centre setting the tone in Winnipeg. On the ice, the Jets had their chances and got goals from Mark Scheifele and Alex Iafallo, but Carolina kept answering and ultimately left town with a 3-2 win after holding off a late push to level things.
A familiar face played a central role in the outcome, which only made the finish sting more for Winnipeg. The Hurricanes got the decisive goal from Nikolaj Ehlers, and with that marker he completed a rare personal checklist while leaving the Jets to sit with a loss that felt even harder given how close they came to extending the game. [Read more 🡒]
Cole Perfetti Is Giving The Jets One Early Reason For Confidence
Cole Perfetti is giving the Jets a timely reminder of why they locked him in long term this summer. After Winnipeg signed the young forward to a five-year extension in July, he has opened the season with the kind of early pace that gives a team confidence in both its present and its future, piling up offense while looking more and more comfortable as a top-six piece.
Perfettis start has been especially encouraging because it has come right as the Jets are trying to establish an early-season rhythm around their younger core. The production has been steady and noticeable through eight games, and if this level of play keeps up, Winnipegs bet on him is going to look better and better long before the season reaches its midpoint. [Read more 🡒]
Jets May Soon Face Their Biggest Hellebuyck Problem Yet
Connor Hellebuycks future in Winnipeg still hangs over the Jets, even as the team tries to keep its attention on the ice. Captain Adam Lowry acknowledged there will need to be conversations if the goaltender comes back into the fold, a sign that this is no ordinary roster matter. Hellebuyck was suspended without pay after requesting a trade and not reporting to training camp, and Winnipeg has continued to move forward while other goaltenders have performed well.
Scott Arniel sidestepped the subject when asked about Hellebuycks return, choosing instead to talk about the games ahead. Behind the scenes, though, the Jets are still working the phones and trying to find a trade partner as the suspension nears a possible end next Friday. If the situation does circle back to the dressing room, it will require more than a roster decision to smooth over what has already become a complicated break. [Read more 🡒]