NHL Trade Rumors: Devils sending trade offer for Jets' Connor Hellebuyck

Sunny Mehta, here's your chance to change the direction of the New Jersey Devils.

The freshly minted general manager is going to be tasked with trying to retool on the fly, and with Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck growing extremely frustrated with the organization, there's a good chance Mehta will be checking in on the Olympic gold medalist.

Hellebuyck was very close to signing with the Devils a few summers ago, and surprisingly signed an extension with the Jets. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shed some light on the situation in his latest 32 thoughts.

Three years ago, Hellebuyck headed into the final season of his last contract similarly unsettled. The Jets were wiped out in the first round by Vegas, leading to Rick Bowness Rant I, “disgusted” by “their lack of pushback.” (Every three years. Whoever he coaches in 2029 is going to get it.) That summer was rife with rumours. People bet mortgages Hellebuyck would end up in New Jersey. But, days before the next season began, he and Mark Scheifele signed long-term extensions. The Jets took their time, presented their vision and sold Hellebuyck on it. Impressive work.

As I write this Friday night, I’m thinking that’s the organization's current path: this year sucked; our fiercely competitive backbone is disappointed and emotional; he’s blowing off steam; we’ve seen this before. We’re not going to panic, we’re not going to overreact, we’re going to give him time and approach it the same way we did before.

The Devils have Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen under contract for next season, they also have Nico Daws waiting in the wings, who would certainly be the target for the Jets if they engage in advanced trade talks. Dawson Mercer and Dougie Hamilton would be two players who would also be in New Jersey's offer.

More to come, keep an eye on the Jets and Devils this summer.