Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff made it clear he wishes he could have moved Connor Hellebuyck much sooner, hours after trading the goalie to the Devils.
“I certainly wish I could have done it 5 or 4 months ago when the opportunity first started, when we were looking,” Cheveldayoff said Friday.
HockeyFeed noted multiple reports had said the front office and the locker room had no interest in a reunion.
That's about as blunt as a GM gets on trade day. He didn't say a word about the player, and he didn't have to.
It's like a landlord telling reporters he'd have happily ended the lease back in spring. The tenant is gone, but the message lingers.
Winnipeg got Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, Alexander Command and two picks in the deal, according to La Presse.
Hellebuyck carries an $8,500,000 cap hit.
Source : Kevin Cheveldayoff Takes A Parting Shot At Connor Hellebuyck.
Jets GM wishes he could have traded Connor Hellebuyck ‘5 or 4 months ago
The teams meet in Winnipeg on Nov. 10, then again Nov. 28 in New Jersey.
Mercer has 4 assists on a $4,000,000 cap hit.
He is set to become a restricted free agent next summer and is already eligible for an extension, per La Presse.
Winnipeg is 4-3-3 and has lost four straight.
Stuart Skinner sits at .912 and now has the Jets' crease, though three of his losses came after regulation.
Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 9 goals, including 4 on the power play.
New Jersey is 6-4-0 and has won two straight heading into the weekend.
Jake Allen had been sitting at .883 before the deal.
Jack Hughes leads the Devils with 11 points and has 2 game-winners.
La Presse noted the Jets are also set to host the Heritage Classic, which would have made any reunion even more awkward.
How loud will the building in Winnipeg be on Nov. 10?
The Jets host Montreal on Sunday, while New Jersey hosts Los Angeles on Saturday.
The trade ended the standoff. Cheveldayoff's comments made sure nobody mistook it for an amicable split.
Should Jets fans boo Connor Hellebuyck when the Devils visit on Nov. 10?
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