Connor Hellebuyck has left Scott Arniel and the Winnipeg Jets staring at an uncomfortable trade market with no deal close.
The Jets may be willing to move their star goaltender, but the return has to make sense. So far, the offers reaching Winnipeg haven't created much excitement.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli indicated the Jets haven't received anything resembling the type of package they're looking for. That puts Winnipeg in an awkward spot as the situation drags on.
Trading Hellebuyck for a discounted return would create another problem. Winnipeg still has to build a competitive roster around Arniel, and moving its starting goaltender without meaningful NHL help coming back would weaken that plan.
"Frank Seravalli: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade market: [The Jets] haven't gotten anything even close to resembling, to my knowledge, something that makes them excited - Jason Gregor Show (10/1)"
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There has already been significant interest. Carolina reportedly put forward a package involving a first-round pick and defenseman Alexander Nikishin earlier in the process.
Winnipeg passed. That decision now carries more weight because the market hasn't moved in the Jets' direction since.
Kevin Cheveldayoff can afford to hold his ground
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff isn't dealing with an expiring contract. Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, giving Winnipeg the ability to remain patient instead of accepting the best offer currently available.
That contract also makes negotiations more complicated. Any interested club has to make room for a major commitment in goal while still producing a return strong enough to convince Winnipeg to move one of its biggest names.
Seravalli has connected teams such as San Jose, Utah and Vegas to the situation as possible landing spots if trade talks gain traction.
But possible interest and an acceptable offer are two different things. The Jets need a package that helps them now, especially if they intend to remain competitive after changing the most important position on the roster.
Hellebuyck's trade request gives opposing teams another piece of leverage. Buyers know Winnipeg is managing an unsettled situation, so there's little incentive for them to suddenly raise their offers without competition forcing the issue.
That leaves Cheveldayoff facing a simple choice: lower the asking price or keep waiting for the market to change.
For now, Winnipeg appears prepared to wait. Unless another club puts a stronger package on the table, Hellebuyck's future could remain unresolved even as Arniel tries to keep the locker room focused on hockey.
Should the Jets lower their asking price for Connor Hellebuyck?
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