Check out the latest on Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly, and Bruins center Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE LATEST ON CONNOR HELLEBUYCK
TSN: Chris Johnston provided an update on the Connor Hellebuyck trade rumors. He said that teams are calling the Winnipeg Jets about the 33-year-old goaltender, suggesting the possibility of moving him is more real now than it’s ever been at any stage in his career.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
However, Johnston indicated that it’s not a certainty that Hellebuyck gets traded. He added that things are at the conversation stage rather than any firm decisions being made.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets are built to win right now, which is why I believe Cheveldayoff won’t move Hellebuyck unless the latter wants out. So far, there is no indication that he’s done so.
This recent speculation appears to be based on Hellebuyck’s end-of-season comments, when he expressed frustration about his performance and that of his teammates this season, adding that things had to improve for the Jets to become Stanley Cup contenders.
There’s no doubt that teams are probably calling the Jets about Hellebuyck, and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is listening to their offers. However, we must remember that the three-time Vezina Trophy winner has a full no-movement clause, giving him full control over this situation, especially for potential destinations. Keep in mind that Cheveldayoff will set a high asking price that few teams will be willing to pay.
UPDATES ON KNIES AND RIELLY
TSN: Chris Johnston reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are gauging the trade market for Matthew Knies. They’re open to the possibility that he could fetch a return that helps them refresh and retool going forward. There’s a lot of interest in the 23-year-old power forward, who lacks no-trade protection in his contract.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports Maple Leafs GM John Chayka said a trade involving Knies would be “a tough bar to hurdle.” Chayka said the idea of the Leafs could improve their roster by trading a top young player was “not probable.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chayka seems to be keeping an open mind on the possibility of moving Knies. However, he sounds like he’s not actively shopping him and could set a price that most teams would find too high.
Meanwhile, Johnston believes there’s been “a little bit of progress” towards the Maple Leafs finding a landing spot for Morgan Rielly.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Rielly is signed through 2029-30 with an AAV of $7.5 million and a full no-movement clause. Earlier this week, Koshan said that the 32-year-old defenseman hadn’t been asked yet to waive his NMC or to provide a list of landing spots.
COULD THE BRUINS TRADE PAVEL ZACHA?
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reported the Boston Bruins are listening to trade offers for Pavel Zacha.
The 29-year-old center has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $4.75 million. He also has an eight-team no-trade list.
LeBrun claims the Bruins’ priority remains signing Zacha to a contract extension. How those talks go will be balanced by whether teams step up in a meaningful way in trade talks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: LeBrun noted that the lack of available quality centers could boost Zacha’s market value. However, the Bruins are among the teams seeking depth at that position, so they are likely to keep Zacha in the fold.
