Some Thoughts on Conner Hellebuyck’s Trade Request Going Public

The agent for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made public that Hellebuyck wants to be traded. Everyone already knows that Hellebuyck wants out Winnipeg, but going public may force GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s hand. Well, that is likely what Hellebuyck’s camp is hoping.

Collection of media thoughts after Connor Hellebuyck made his trade request public yesterday

Michael Amato: “Sneaky team I wonder about for Connor Hellebuyck – Colorado. Would have to send Blackwood back and move some other things out/around, but think it’s possible if there’s mutual interest.”

• Marco D’Amico: “The issue is just… what do they add that teams like Buffalo or New Jersey couldn’t outbid?”
• Michael Amato: “It’s a fair point. They wouldn’t have the most assets but Hellebuyck has a lot of control here too with a full NMC. Depends on his preferred destination to an extent.”

Mike Harrington: (On the Buffalo Sabres) “No doubt the price is the determining factor. I’m not selling the farm. At this stage of the summer, no roster players. Sorry, Winnipeg.”

Charlie O’Conner: “Before you ask, no, the Flyers should not trade for Connor Hellebuyck.”

Andrew Paterson: “I don’t know how any sensible observer thinks that this tanks Hellebuyck’s trade value. Every GM in the NHL has known this all summer long, this ain’t news to them. Does anyone actually think that Chevy will lower his price now for a deal because Ray Petkau fired up his X account today?”

• Andrew Paterson: “and while I’m at it, let me say the quiet part out loud – the way he & especially his family were treated by some sick individuals after the Olympics is what no one wants to talk about but you’re crazy if you don’t think that’s a large part of all of this.”

Scott Billeck: “GM promises to be a contender. GM fails to deliver on promise. Player wants out, having had promise broken early in new contract. GM knows he has to trade. GM signs goalie knowing he has to trade. GM doesn’t trade. GM now dealing with diminished asset. GM still has job.”

• Jim Biringer: “It is run like a family business in Winnipeg, which is good. However, the window for the Jets closed. While the goalie had to be better in the playoffs, the team peaked. Can’t keep promising a contender when it’s time to rebuild and retool. At some point the GM had to be looked at.”

Jim Matheson: “I agree with some Jets followers. If he has requested a trade then he has to waive his no move clause this season and his 10 team approved trade list in years 4-7. Can’t have it both ways Connor with 5 years left on your contract.”

TSN: Brian Hayes on Hellebuyck and what if he ended up with the Florida Panthers.

“I’d love to be a fly on the wall in the office of Gary Bettman because, you know, he is, he is kind of shooed away the idea that there’s an issue with state taxes and with, you know, southern teams and ‘Hey when they weren’t any good it didn’t matter.’

But if he ends up in Florida, how do you, like, you’ve got a Dodgers situation on your hands all of a sudden. Like, you’ve got, you got a lot of teams in the league being like, “What are we supposed to do? These players are just basically mandating this is the only place they’re going, and teams are capitulating and giving it to them.”