While most eyes will be on this summer’s center trade market, the trade market for goaltenders should be fairly active as well, particularly for the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the latter has reached out to the Winnipeg Jets to gauge the trade possibility of one of, if not the league’s best.
Much of the trade speculation surrounding Connor Hellebuyck stems from his end-of-season media availability, where he questioned Winnipeg’s ability to build a true Stanley Cup contender, especially given that no other top-level talent has any interest in joining the organization. Still, Hellebuyck added in the same monologue that he loves playing for the Jets and wants to play a part in drawing other players to the organization.
Additionally, Pagnotta noted that Winnipeg has no interest in trading Hellebuyck, but if the three-time Vezina winner were to quietly request a trade, they would navigate the trade waters. Despite the gold medal win in February, Hellebuyck arguably had the worst season of his career, finishing with a 23-23-11 record in 57 games with a .895 SV%, 2.86 GAA, and -0.3 Goals Saved Above Average.
Other morning notes:
- In last night’s Game 5, the Vegas Golden Knights suffered more than just a loss. In the second period, after being hit by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker, Golden Knights forward William Karlsson left the game entirely (Video Link). It’s a difficult blow to Karlsson, who already missed 68 games in the regular season due to a lower-body injury. He’s scored three goals and nine points in 15 games during the playoffs, but his postseason may have come to an abrupt end.
- According to a team announcement, the Boston Bruins have hired Matt McIlvane as an assistant coach, replacing Jay Leach. McIlvane had been the head coach of the AHL’s San Diego Gulls for the past three years, guiding them to an 88-97-31 record, with a berth in the Calder Cup playoffs this season. Unfortunately, the postseason run was short-lived, as the Colorado Eagles quickly dispatched the Gulls in the First Round.