Mark down the New Jersey Devils as a major player in the Connor Hellebuyck trade sweepstakes, says Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic. The 30-year-old Vezina-caliber netminder is on the trade block after informing the Winnipeg Jets he won’t sign an extension, and LeBrun says there’s mutual interest between the netminder and the Devils in a long-term agreement. Hellebuyck has gone on a remarkable run since becoming Winnipeg’s starter, leading in the league in either games played or saves made for six straight seasons. The workhorse netminder would be a massive, immediate upgrade on Vitek Vanecek, who did have a solid 2022-23 campaign but can struggle heavily with consistency. LeBrun adds, though, that New Jersey likely won’t pursue a sign-and-trade if Hellebuyck is demanding around $9.5MM on an extension, as previously reported.
More notes from LeBrun as free agency draws closer:
- The door hasn’t closed on a Ryan O’Reilly return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, LeBrun says. The veteran center is keeping all of his options open, with a weak center class on the open market likely driving up his value despite a down season in 2022-23. He could very well price himself out of a return, but LeBrun reports Toronto general manager Brad Treliving has expressed interest to O’Reilly’s camp in having him come back after a stretch of solid play. Multiple sources have suggested the 32-year-old is in line for a short-term (but multi-year) deal north of $5MM, which may not be attainable for the Leafs, considering they have at least five forward spots to fill (and an extension for netminder Ilya Samsonov).
- Reporting earlier this week suggested Alex DeBrincat had a set list of teams he’d be willing to accept a long-term sign-and-trade deal with, but LeBrun says other teams have “given DeBrincat’s camp some things to think about” with their inquiries. With the market expanding, Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion seems content to let this play out for a better return, and LeBrun reports he’s more than willing to accept a 2024 first-round pick to get a deal done rather than limiting himself to finishing the trade process before the 2023 draft next week. Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch had named Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Nashville, and Vegas as specific teams DeBrincat had an interest in.
Helly to NJ for Vanecek, Blackwood, Sharangovich, Calgary’s 3rd
Jet’s have their tandem. Can move on to PLD, Scheifele, and Wheeler trades.
Sure hope that’s not the deal. Vanecek yes, Blackwood no. At least a 2nd Rounder, and a decent prospect. 3 pieces for a Vezina nominee and thd Jets undisputed MVP. Maybe Jets even retain some salary for this season.
NJ has the cap space so if the Jets have to retain salary (especially more than $1.5mil) a 1st has to be included.
So NJ is punished for spending wisely and having space? I sincerely hope that’s not the implication here.
DeBrincat to Florida could be a really great fit. I doubt they could afford him though, unless maybe Duclair or someone is in the package going to Ottawa.
The Cat for Duclair and Knight!
FLA re=signs Lyon for 2 x $1.5M!
Now you’re talking my language!
I’m hoping TOR comes back to the Blues
I’m hoping ROR comes back to the Blues!!
Like to see Buffalo take a run at ROR. This team needs veteran leadership that has actually won something to help the young core
Yeah, not sure ROR wants a second go-round, but I suppose Buffalo could try!