Report: 3-Team trade could land Hellebuyck in Carolina

Could the Stanley Cup champs be getting closer to landing the best goalie in hockey? According to Elliotte Friedman, the Carolina Hurricanes are extremely motivated to get something done for Winnipeg Jets' disgruntled netminder Connor Hellebuyck. 

But their best trade piece, RFA Alexander Nikishin, is not interested in signing long-term with Winnipeg, as Friedman explained in his 32 Thoughts column. That has prompted the Hurricanes to look for a third team to bring into the mix to grease the wheels of a trade.

Right now, Carolina is the most motivated pursuer. If Nikishin wanted to sign in Winnipeg, Hellebuyck would already be in Wolfpack country.

There are now some teams with permission to speak to Nikishin, and the suspicion is it's because the Hurricanes want to see if there's a three-way available. I mentioned... that Nikishin is believed to be looking for a $9 million AAV over five years. I had a few sources reach out to say they think that could be lower in the right situation. St. Louis has been a consistent pursuer, and there are some who are surprised it hasn't happened.

The Blues have been restocking their team with good young talent over the past couple of years, most recently this offseason with Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael. Bringing in another notable youngster like Nikishin for the blueline, to go along with Philip Broberg, would be a solid next move. 

The Hurricanes, while they won the Cup with a goaltending tandem that was good, but not elite, would solidify their chances at a repeat with the game's best between the pipes.

Could a Jets, Hurricanes, Blues 3-way deal get Hellebuyck trade done? 

As for Winnipeg, however, the question in this scenario is what would the Blues be willing to offer up in order to get Nikishin, while allowing the Canes to get their man? 

The thing is, Winnipeg will not be pressured into trading Hellebuyck unless the return is a very, very good one. As Friedman added, a trade of the three-time Vezina winner for the Jets franchise is "existential. They have to get this right. If they don’t, they worry about the domino effect. Hellebuyck now … and then who? They’d much, much, much rather make no trade than a bad trade."

Hellebuyck, with his $8.5M AAV, is itching to get back on the ice. But for now, he's sitting at home, and starting Friday night, when the Jets' season opens, he'll be out $39,000 per day as long as he remains out.