NHL Insider Shuts Down Rangers-Connor Hellebuyck Blockbuster Trade Rumor
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shut down the idea of the New York Rangers trading for Winnipeg Jets goalie Connnor Hellebuyck.
On Saturday, the New York Rangers announced that their star goalie, Igor Shesterkin, would miss the remainder of the season due to a lower-body injury. The injury occurred during a Friday game against the Washington Capitals when Shesterkin awkwardly collided with the goalpost while sliding back into position. With Shesterkin sidelined, the Rangers are likely to seek additional goaltending help.
Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck has emerged as a potential trade candidate, but one NHL insider quickly dismissed the notion. Elliotte Friedman, from Sportsnet's Saturday Headlines, firmly shut down the possibility of the Rangers trading for Hellebuyck. Friedman stated, "Could Connor Hellebuyck be a fit for the Rangers? Don't expect it.
I just don't think it matches up. I don't think it works." The issue, Friedman explained, is the long-term contracts both goalies have after this season. Hellebuyck's contract runs through the 2030-31 season, while Shesterkin's extends to the end of the 2032-33 season. While Hellebuyck is undoubtedly an intriguing option, Friedman believes the mismatch in contract lengths makes such a move unlikely for the Rangers.
Nonetheless, the Rangers should consider exploring other goalie options, as their own rookie netminder, Dylan Garand, and veteran Joonas Korpisalo are currently out for the next four weeks. The Rangers may add another goaltender to their lineup, but based on Friedman's analysis, Connor Hellebuyck is highly unlikely to be the target.
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