Insiders Drop Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumor Update

Entering the final year of his contract, Connor Hellebuyck's name has been in the trade rumor mill all summer, at times heating up, then at others—like right now—cooling down. So what is the future of the top goaltender with the Winnipeg Jets?

According to NHL Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Michael Russo of The Athletic, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff "expects him in Winnipeg’s opening night lineup next month and that he’s not looking to trade" the annual Vezina Trophy contender (and 2020 winner). 

“The (trade talk) narrative took on a life of its own,” Cheveldayoff said. “Obviously we made some changes to our organization and we think we’re situated to be in a real good, competitive spot.”

He made it clear the Jets are looking to win this season, and Hellebuyck between the pipes is obviously a huge part of that. But if the March trade deadline comes and goes with the netminder still unsigned and in Winnipeg, the team could lose him for nothing in free agency. 

Cheveldayoff said that there has been "ongoing dialogue" with the goalie through the summer, and the rumblings are that he's trying to convince Hellebuyck to at least sign a short-term, one or two-year contract, if they can prove that the Jets are a serious playoff contender. 

The offseason moves, which included obtaining some solid pieces from the Los Angeles Kings in the Pierre-Luc Dubois blockbuster, prove that the Jets are still trying to win. 

But will it be enough to convince the 30-year-old Hellebuyck—whose stated goal is to win a Stanley Cup—to buy in? 

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports