The Kings have received affirmation that Connor Hellebuyck would apparently accept a trade to Los Angeles, according to Frank Seravalli.
NHLMuse relayed Seravalli's report on Sunday, and it shakes up the picture.
It cuts against Chris Johnston, who said earlier this week he didn't think the Kings were a likely landing spot.
LA needs him more than anybody on the list. Whether the Kings can afford what Winnipeg wants is a completely different question.
It's like getting a yes from your dream date before you've even checked your bank account.
Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, and Elliotte Friedman has reported his suspension is set to end Friday, Oct. 23.
Friedman still sees Buffalo, and maybe Utah, as the most likely scenarios.
Speaking of scenarios, here is one that went viral :
Kings/Jets Mock Trade
Kings Receive:
- Connor Hellebuyck
Jets Receive:
- Alex Laferriere
- Darcy Kuemper
- Gio Pantela
- 2029 1st
-
-
Connor Hellebuyck to LA Kings? Wild Winnipeg Jets Trade Scenario
Los Angeles is 0-4-2 after Saturday's 4-1 loss to Boston, its sixth straight defeat.
The Kings have allowed 25 goals in six games, and Peter Laviolette's group has scored just 12.
Darcy Kuemper sits at .847 on a $5,250,000 cap hit and is still looking for his first win.
Anton Forsberg has been slightly better at .883, though Kuemper has appeared in five of the team's six games.
Artemi Panarin leads the team with 3 goals but sits at -7.
Adrian Kempe carries a $10,625,000 cap hit and has just 1 goal.
Quinton Byfield sits at -6, and Mats Zuccarello is out until at least Oct 20.
Ken Holland would have to make the money work, and that's where things get complicated.
Buffalo has its own hurdle, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen reportedly holding Winnipeg on his no-trade list.
Winnipeg is 4-2-2 after Saturday's loss to Carolina, with Stuart Skinner at .906.
Does Kevin Cheveldayoff finally have a team willing to pay before Friday?
The Kings visit Washington on Tuesday and the Islanders on Thursday, while the Jets visit St. Louis and Dallas.
A yes from the player opens a door. Holland still has to find a way through it before the clock runs out on Winnipeg.
Should the Kings trade for Connor Hellebuyck?
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