As the NHL season approaches, the Winnipeg Jets still have star goalie Connor Hellebuyck on the roster, despite the trade market heating up. Concerns linger about Hellebuyck's playoff performances and the Jets' asking price potentially being too high. Teams might be holding off until they evaluate their own goaltending situations through training camp and preseason before moving forward. With Hellebuyck's contract at $8.5 million and his age at 33, the Jets could lose leverage if they wait too long to trade him.

By the Numbers
  • Hellebuyck is earning $8.5 million per season.
  • He is 33 years old and has one year left on his contract.
Yes, But

While Hellebuyck's skills are undisputed, potential buyers may be hesitant due to his inconsistent playoff performance and the Jets' high trade demands, complicating the market for his acquisition.

State of Play
  • The Jets are reportedly seeking a significant return for Hellebuyck, complicating trade discussions.
  • Teams are expected to assess their goaltending options during upcoming training camps before making any moves.
What's Next

Further evaluations in training camp could lead to shifts in teams' strategies regarding goaltending, potentially paving the way for Hellebuyck's trade if other teams find their options lacking.

Bottom Line

The Jets must consider trading Hellebuyck soon to maximize his value, as a delay could result in diminished returns as he ages and the season progresses.