Connor Hellebuyck's trade request has put Scott Arniel and the Winnipeg Jets under a spotlight that grew much brighter this week.
What had played out quietly behind the scenes is now public, and ESPN personality Michael Wilbon delivered one of the sharpest reactions yet to Hellebuyck wanting out.
The frustration centers on Hellebuyck asking for a move with five years remaining on his eight-year contract. His $8,500,000 cap hit also keeps him among the NHL's highest-paid goaltenders.
Wilbon didn't soften his message when discussing the situation on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption.
“Basically, he's saying, 'Oh we need better players.' Well then be one of them, dude! Then be better!”
Wilbon then turned his attention directly toward the commitment Hellebuyck made when he signed his contract with Winnipeg.
“They gave you the security you wanted, the money you wanted. They rewarded you. You signed the deal! Can you not count from three to eight? Can you? Don't you know what that is? Unbelievable.”
Michael Wilbon unloads on Hellebuyck's request
Wilbon went even further when explaining how he would respond if he were running the Jets.
“No! I would call him in, and say, 'We love you, we signed you to this deal. You want a trade? Go to h***!.' ... The only thing I would do... I would trade him to whatever outpost I could. The nerve!”
Star players asking out is hardly new across North American sports, and hockey has seen its share of uncomfortable exits and trade pressure.
The bigger issue for Winnipeg is what comes next. Once a request becomes public, every roster decision and every conversation involving Hellebuyck carries extra weight.
Frank Isola, Wilbon's PTI partner, pointed toward Winnipeg's market size as one reason Hellebuyck may not be facing even more national criticism.
“This is a case of him being lucky that he plays in a small market, or else he'd be getting destroyed.”
Based on Wilbon's reaction, Hellebuyck is already getting plenty of heat. And until Winnipeg finds a resolution, this story isn't going away.
Should the Winnipeg Jets refuse Connor Hellebuyck's trade request?
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