3 Potential Trade Destinations for Jets' Connor Hellebuyck

The Winnipeg Jets are the team to watch this summer as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has some serious work to do. A number of players have confirmed they aren't interested in sticking around and most of the attention of late is on Pierre-Luc Dubois heading to the Los Angeles Kings. For today's piece, let's switch gears and zone in on the Jets' crease and more specifically where Connor Hellebuyck may wind up. Here's three potential trade destinations for the former Vezina trophy winner:

New Jersey Devils

When the news broke that Hellebuyck wasn't interested in a contract extension, the Devils were one of the first teams rumored to be interested. From our experience, the first team rumored usually ends up with the player. The Devils have Akira Schmid, who burst onto the scene during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Schmid is 23 years old and in the final season of his entry-level contract. If this trade goes down, the Jets will want him included, meanwhile Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald would likely push hard for Vitek Vanecek instead. At least one first-round pick and two other players would need to be included in this trade offer as the Jets are looking for a four-piece meal for their starting goalie.

Ottawa Senators

While the Sens may be another season or two away, adding a talent like Hellebuyck could propel them into contention in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa is littered with prospects and young talent, however don't have much in draft-pick capital to offer after trading for Jakob Chychrun last season. Alex DeBrincat isn't likely interested in signing a contract extension in Winnipeg so that crosses that off. Erik Brannstrom, Shane Pinto and Mads Sogaard would be on the Jets' wish list.

Carolina Hurricanes

Until the 'Canes re-sign Frederik Andersen or Antti Raanta, they're going to be active in these trade talks. Carolina has a closet full of young talent and prospects on the cusp of being NHL ready. Seth Jarvis, Pyotr Kochetkov and Ryan Suzuki would likely be involved here. Hellebuyck has one season left on his contract at $6.1 million and the Hurricanes would have no issues backing up the Brinks truck during extension talks. Keep an eye on the Canes, especially if neither one of their goalies from their playoff run are re-signed.

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