NHL Network | Elliotte Friedman with latest on the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck

The slow time of year is here and insider Elliotte Friedman was asked for an update with respect to the latest on the Winnipeg Jets and Connor Hellebuyck situation which doesn’t appear to be close to any sort of resolution.

Friedman began by saying he has had some people tell him they “wouldn’t be surprised if Hellebuyck starts the year in Winnipeg.”

He went on to talk about the Jets not wanting to do a rebuild. “I don’t think they want to go backwards. I think they want to try to make the playoffs next year.”.

Added it isn’t just about trading Hellebuyck but then the question is whether they have an adequate replacement for him.

Mentions the Devils have looked at the Jets netminder but that they have also looked at the Ducks John Gibson “among others”.

Feels teams are playing a bit of a “poker game, a waiting game” and reiterated that it “wouldn’t be a huge shock if Hellebuyck started the year in Winnipeg”.