NHL rumors: The 2 ‘least likely destinations’ in potential Connor Hellebuyck trade

The long-scrutinized Connor Hellebuyck proved he could meet the moment when he helped Team USA capture its first Olympics men’s ice hockey gold medal in 46 years. Now, he wants another chance to do it in the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets star goaltender requested a trade earlier this week, triggering a frenzy around the league. There are plenty of good teams whose biggest obstacle to an eventful run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is a shaky netminder.

Although the 2024-25 Hart Memorial Trophy winner and three-time Vezina Trophy recipient can significantly raise a squad’s ceiling, he is quite expensive. There are two franchises who often make noise in the spring and consistently find ways to overcome seemingly daunting salary cap issues, but believe it or not, they are considered the most improbable landing spots for Hellebuyck.

“Florida and Vegas are the least-likely destinations,” Lyle Richardson of Spectors Hockey writes. “If those clubs can’t afford to acquire {Dylan} Larkin ($8.7 million AAV), they can’t afford Hellebuyck, and even if they could, they lack the tradeable assets to entice the Jets, unless they can somehow get a third team involved in the deal to send them the necessary assets to make it happen.”

Hellebuyck’s contract carries a steep average annual value of $8.5 million for the next five seasons. The Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights already have stout rosters that contain hefty financial commitments. Absorbing another one would be difficult. Imagine what fans would say, though. They might combust.

If either of these polarizing squads is able to complete a deal with the Jets, they would probably morph into a full-fledged villain. They would also improve their already solid Stanley Cup prospects.

Connor Hellebuyck posted a 2.86 goals against average and .895 save percentage in 57 games for Winnipeg last season. Perhaps he can recapture his elite form in a new environment. Wherever he winds up, the lights will be even brighter. Such is the case when a player demands out.

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