Oilers trading for Connor Hellebuyck is a ‘long shot’ but not ‘impossible,’ per NHL analyst

Conor Hellebuyck’s potential trade to the Edmonton Oilers is considered a long shot, though not entirely impossible according to NHL analyst Frank Seravalli. Edmonton is currently facing concerns with Tristan Jarry’s early performance in the season. Seravalli wrote that if the Oilers continue to struggle with goal scoring, the team might look into a trade for Hellebuyck. This speculation comes after Jarry’s poor performance in Edmonton’s overtime loss to Vancouver, where he allowed six goals on 23 shots.

Hellebuyck is currently in a dispute with the Winnipeg Jets, seeking a trade away from the team. He was suspended without pay for missing training camp. Seravalli noted that Hellebuyck’s desired destination is in the United States, which complicates any potential trade to Edmonton. There are also significant financial and player capital obstacles for Edmonton.

Jarry’s $5.375 million annual cap hit through 2027-28 and Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million cap hit through 2030-31 present challenges. Edmonton would need to create additional cap room and provide enough assets to satisfy Winnipeg’s requirements. Additionally, Jarry would need to waive his trade protection, which could be another major hurdle.

Winnipeg has the time to wait for the right offer, while Hellebuyck continues to lose salary during his suspension. The situation might change if the Oilers’ front office faces increased pressure due to a prolonged Jarry slump. However, the financial and trade complications make a Hellebuyck trade to the Oilers a difficult prospect. Seravalli concluded that while it’s not impossible, the likelihood of Hellebuyck playing for a Canadian club again is a real long shot.