Connor Hellebuyck's price hasn't changed, per David Pagnotta: the Jets still want one or two second-line players plus young assets.
"I don't think the price has changed," Pagnotta said on NHL Tonight. "They want immediate help as part of a package."
The original cost, he explained, was "a 2nd line calibre player, maybe 2," along with additional young assets.
That's a steep ask, and it explains why Hellebuyck is still in limbo weeks into the season. The goalie carries an $8,500,000 cap hit and hasn't played a game.
Winnipeg can afford to wait. The Jets are 4-1-1 after a 5-2 win over Minnesota, with Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson holding the crease.
That leaves three intriguing suitors, each with a different reason to pay up.
Rangers, Avalanche and Sabres all have reasons to chase Connor Hellebuyck
The Rangers suddenly need a goalie. Igor Shesterkin is out for the season, and New York has already kicked tires on Toronto's Anthony Stolarz.
Colorado has the clearest hockey fit. Steve Valiquette called Hellebuyck "an extraordinary fit there," and Mackenzie Blackwood sits at .879.
Buffalo might be the most motivated. Elliotte Friedman said Hellebuyck would waive to go there, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has struggled badly.
Then there's the option nobody can rule out. Pagnotta has also reported the goalie is debating when the right time would be to return to the Jets.
The Rangers should move first. A 6-2-0 team that just lost its franchise goalie has the most urgency, and two second-line forwards is a price a contender can stomach.
His market is like a house with three bidders and an owner who might move back in. Everyone is waiting to see who blinks.
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The Jets visit Chicago on Thursday, then host Carolina, another team linked to Hellebuyck, on Saturday.
Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn't moved off his price. Until someone meets it or the goalie walks back in, this saga keeps rolling.
Should the Rangers pay the Jets' price for Connor Hellebuyck?
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