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Superstar Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been the subject of constant trade rumours for month. The player himself, however, has kept silent on the matter.
That is, until now. On Thursday, the Jets confirmed that the 33-year-old netminder has formally requested a trade after 11 seasons with the team. Beyond that, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff declined to elaborate.
Trade pressure increases
It’s been a poorly kept secret for a while that Hellebuyck would welcome a trade elsewhere. However, in lieu of a formal trade request, the Jets did not have immediate pressure to make a deal. Per Capwages, Hellebuyck has one season of full no-movement clause protection remaining on his contract ($8.5 million AAV). Thereafter, for the remaining four years of the contract, he has a limited no-trade list. Starting July 1, 2027, Hellebuyck can name 10 teams for whom he can refuse a trade.
By asking for a trade now, Hellebuyck has given himself maximum leverage. The Jets have none over the next season. They are now temporarily in the same boat at the Detroit Red Wings with captain Dylan Larkin. All Cheveldayoff can do for now is refuse to honor the request until he finds a deal acceptable to any team(s) Hellebuck is willing to go.
However, the longer this goes on, the more of a distraction it becomes. Making the request at the tail end of September turns up the pressure several notches.
Jets didn’t need this now
After last year’s disappointing season, the Jets did not need to drag Hellebuyck trade drama to the brink of training camp. They still have a need to acquire a proven veteran second-line center. It’s unfair to throw that immediate expectation on Viggo Bjork. The18-year-old needs some time and patience while he works to add muscle onto his small frame. In general, putting immediate top-six expectations on a teenager — no matter how gifted — is a risky proposition.
Unfortunately, it looks right now like the Jets have a dilemma on their hand. They didn’t expect full value on the Hart/Vezina winner with an Olympic gold medal to his credit. However, they could still set a high bar on what they are willing to accept.
Cheveldayoff will still attempt to do that. However, given today’s trading climate, that has become much easier to say than do.
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