The Connor Hellebuyck trade situation continues to get more interesting as the days unfold. On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman added a new wrinkle to the storyline, reporting that the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets briefly discussed a trade. He added that Hellebuyck was open to joining San Jose, even if the Sharks aren’t sure they can meet the goaltender’s specific ask.
Friedman explained: “So I’ve asked what happened between San Jose and Winnipeg. And the best answer I got is they talked, but it never really went a long way.” He added, “I think Hellebuyck looks at this as the big three-year window. Three years where that’s where he wants to go to a team that he thinks can win in the next three years.”
He added, “And I’ve heard that he would consider San Jose. But what I’ve also heard is that they’re are not sure they’re in that window.”
In other words, Hellebuyck sees the Sharks as a team that can compete, which is what he wants. Meanwhile, the Sharks aren’t sure they’re going to be Stanley Cup contenders in the next three seasons. They believe they’re improving and they might be in the mix for the playoffs, but Cup contenders might be pushing their timeline.