What Happened
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Carolina Hurricanes made a serious attempt to trade for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The plan involved approaching other clubs about forwards the Jets might covet, then flipping those players to Winnipeg. No deal materialized, and the Jets traded Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Carolina was not willing to part with Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven or Jackson Blake in a Hellebuyck trade.
Key Details
- Friedman reported the Hurricanes sought forwards from other teams to flip to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck.
- Winnipeg wanted immediate forward help in any Hellebuyck return, according to Friedman.
- Carolina declined to include Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven or Jackson Blake in a deal.
- Hellebuyck went to New Jersey for Alexander Command, Nico Daws, Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad and two draft picks.
- Carolina continues with Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov, each with six starts this season.
What It Means
Carolina's inability to land Hellebuyck leaves the club relying on its current tandem of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov. Kochetkov has posted better goals-against average and save percentage than Bussi over six starts apiece. The reported pursuit shows Carolina explored a multi-step route rather than a direct swap, and the price Winnipeg sought in forward help was more than the Hurricanes were prepared to pay.
What's Next
Carolina proceeds with Bussi and Kochetkov as its goaltending pairing while Hellebuyck begins his tenure with New Jersey following Friday's trade.