Connor Hellebuyck's future with the Winnipeg Jets just got messier, and it's not just talk anymore.
David Pagnotta reported Tuesday night that Winnipeg wants a second line center and a second line winger back if it moves Hellebuyck.
In a perfect world, according to Pagnotta's DFO Rundown, the Jets land both those pieces, plus more, for their franchise goaltender.
So how close is Winnipeg to actually pulling the trigger?
David Pagnotta: Re Jets: They want a 2nd line center and they want a 2nd line winger; if they're moving Connor Hellebuyck, in a perfect world they're getting two of those pieces plus.
Elliotte Friedman didn't sound optimistic on Monday's 32 Thoughts. "I don't know where this goes, but I think it's going to be hard to convince Hellebuyck to stay," he said.
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Hellebuyck posted an .895 save percentage across 57 appearances this season.
He still carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, the fifth highest among all NHL goaltenders.
Elliotte Friedman doubts Hellebuyck will stay in Winnipeg
Winnipeg finished 35-35-12, sitting 26th overall in the final standings.
The Jets also closed on an L4 skid, going just 5-5-0 over their final ten games.
Winnipeg's goal differential finished at -29, a number that points at defense and net play more than offense.
It's not like the core dried up. Mark Scheifele put up 103 points and Kyle Connor added 92, proof the top of the lineup still produces.
Trading a franchise goaltender at his value peak is a gamble no front office takes lightly. Kevin Cheveldayoff isn't exactly known for splashy swings.
Trading away your last line of defense for a promise of future scoring is like selling your umbrella hoping it stops raining.
Stuart Skinner and prospect Thomas Milic are the only other goaltenders currently listed on Winnipeg's roster.
Losing a goaltender of Hellebuyck's caliber for pieces, even good ones, is a real bet on internal development paying off fast.
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Nobody around the Jets is saying this gets resolved quietly. Not with Friedman already hinting at the outcome and Pagnotta naming the price.
The trade market opens for real once free agency settles. How the Jets play this now could define their next five years behind the bench.
Will the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck this offseason?
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