Connor Hellebuyck's future with the Winnipeg Jets has taken another turn, and Peter Laviolette's Los Angeles Kings are now firmly in the conversation.
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Kings have expressed serious interest in acquiring the superstar goaltender, adding a new contender to an already complicated trade situation.
General manager Ken Holland has reportedly explored Winnipeg's asking price. More importantly, Hellebuyck is believed to be willing to waive his no-movement clause for Los Angeles.
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That's a meaningful development for a player who controls his next destination. Winnipeg cannot simply send him wherever it receives the strongest offer.
Kings could break losing streak with acquisition of Hellebuyck
The timing makes sense for the Kings, who have stumbled out of the gate with a 0-3-2 record. Their struggles between the pipes have quickly become impossible to ignore.
Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg have combined for a .848 save percentage, leaving Los Angeles searching for answers before its season slips further away.
Hellebuyck would immediately change the picture in the Kings' crease. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner offers the kind of reliability Los Angeles desperately needs.
But acquiring him won't be cheap. The Jets reportedly want young NHL-ready talent, prospects and draft picks in return for their franchise goaltender.
Alex Laferriere could become an interesting piece in potential negotiations, although no agreement has been reported and Winnipeg has little reason to rush.
The financial side presents another obstacle. Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million annual cap hit, meaning Holland would likely need to move an existing contract.
Kuemper's $5.25 million deal could enter those discussions, particularly if Los Angeles decides a major change in goal is necessary.
Meanwhile, Hellebuyck remains away from the Jets following his training camp holdout and subsequent suspension. Winnipeg must balance its competitive ambitions against an increasingly uncomfortable situation.
For the Kings, the question is whether Holland is prepared to sacrifice valuable future assets to address an immediate weakness. Hellebuyck's reported willingness to join Los Angeles brings a potential trade closer, but the hardest part of negotiations remains.
Should the Los Angeles Kings sacrifice top prospects and draft picks to acquire Connor Hellebuyck?
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