The Connor Hellebuyck suspension from the Winnipeg Jets is set to end this week. Hellebuyck was suspended after failing to show up for training camp after requesting a trade from the team. As soon as it broke that the netminder wanted to be moved, teams started lining up to try to make a trade for Hellebuyck, including the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes.
As the early part of the season continues, there has been no movement on Hellebuyck, but that does not mean teams are not still in pursuit, and one of those is the Hurricanes, according to Frank Seravalli of Sportsnet.
“(Hurricanes GM Eric) Tulsky has been all over Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets since word broke – while his team was still playing – that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner was looking to be dealt. He’s similarly played the long game and we’re reaching the witching hour now with Hellebuyck’s suspension ending,” Seravalli wrote.
The insider also noted that Eric Tulsky has been very aggressive when going after a player he wants, bringing up when the Hurricanes made a move for Mikko Rantanen. The Hurricanes are not devoting much in terms of resources to the goaltending situation. They let Frederik Andersen walk after the run to the Stanley Cup, and have Pyotr Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi under contract. Their combined AAV of $3.9 million this year represents just 3.7 percent of the salary cap.
Article Continues Below“This pursuit is a definite departure from Carolina’s standard operating procedure on goaltenders. Historically, the Canes haven’t devoted much (cap space or assets) to goalies. The difference is a goaltender of Hellebuyck’s calibre hasn’t been up for grabs,” Seravalli continued.
The Hurricanes are already one of the favorites to win the Cup this year, and adding the three-time Vezina winner would certainly help their chances.