Detroit Red Wings

Winnipeg Sun Floats Red Wings’ Trade Scenario For Hellebuyck

Published

11 months ago

June 3, 2023

The Winnipeg Sun wrote an article speculating about the players Jets should request from teams interested in acquiring veteran goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Red Wings fans probably won’t like the suggested deal with Detroit. It’s difficult to believe Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman would like it either.

The Sun proposed trade would send Ville Husso, the Red Wings’ No. 9 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, plus prospect Marco Kasper to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck

The Red Wings project Kasper to be one of their centers sooner rather than later. Yzerman will be reluctant to move him. The Red Wings are probably willing to move the No. 17 draft pick, and less heralded prospects.

Ullmark: $5M in free agency

Saros: Drafted 99th overall

Swayman: Drafted 111th overall

Sorokin: Drafted 78th overall

Gustavsson: Acquired for Cam Talbot (who MIN acquired in free agency for $3.6M)

Hellebuyck: Drafted 130th overall pic.twitter.com/yO6qn7BKBl

— Shaun Hashim (@shaunhashim) May 29, 2023

It’s unknown whether there have been any discussion between the Jets and Red Wings about Hellebuyck. Yzerman said at the end of the season that he was “pleased with Ville’s play”. But he also said the team’s goaltending numbers weren’t good enough.

Hellebuyck, 30, is a Michigan native. He’s 20 months older than Husso, but far more accomplished. He’s won one Vezina Trophy and was runner-up for another. Hellebuyck has played 448 NHL games and owns a .916 save percentage. He has started 130 games over the past two seasons. This past season marked the first time Husso played more than 42 games in a season.

The reason why the Jets will look at moving Hellebuyck is that he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Hellebuyck has said he doesn’t want to be part of a Winnipeg rebuild.

Would Hellebuyck Sign With Detroit?

Yzerman probably wouldn’t want to give up multiple prime assets unless he is sure he could sign him beyond next season. Would Hellebuyck feel the Red Wings are far enough along in their rebuild to seem like a desirable place to play?

The other issue here from the Red Wings’ perspective is that multiple teams will be interested in Hellebuyck. That will drive up the asking price. The Winnipeg Sun article listed the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings as other potential landing spots.

The Jets will want multiple assets in any deal for the Winnipeg goalie.

The Sun targeted Peyton Krebs as a primary piece if Hellebuyck went to Buffalo, and Shane Pinto to be part of any deal with Ottawa. Jesper Bratt would be the primary target in New Jersey. The article mentioned several Kings players, including prospect defenseman Brandt Clarke and OHL standout Francesco Pinelli (90 points in 60 games for the Kitchener Rangers).