The disgruntled netminder could make his way west.
Training camp is underway. The big stories should be who will make the team. Or who has stood out the most in camp. Instead, reports have surfaced of the San Jose Sharks’ interest in Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
Earlier in the offseason, many national writers speculated that the Sharks could be in on a Hellebuyck sweepstakes. With the emergence of Macklin Celebrini, these people expect the Sharks to win now. However, it’s all just speculation.
Now, a new report has come out. GM Mike Grier has “kicked the tires” on a Hellebuyck trade.
That certainly grabbed some attention. Fans and media went wild after that news came out. So what should fans make of this new development?
Honestly, not much. Let’s all calm down and take a breath here. Grier is doing his job as GM. Remember, Hellebuyck led Team USA to their first Olympic gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980 earlier this year. When a world-class goalie becomes available, you pick up the phone and make some calls. That is what Grier was doing.
Just because Hellebuyck is available does not mean a trade is imminent.
Credit: Hockey Patrol-FacebookThe Sharks would have to make a pretty sweet offer to Winnipeg for Hellebuyck. That trade would center around Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov. Grier would also have to add prospects like Quentin Musty, or even NHL-ready players like Igor Chernyshov. Sprinkle in some draft picks, too.
That price for Hellebuyck is too high. He is already 33 and entering the third year of a seven-year contract. Which means he will be 38 at the conclusion of that contract. He may be world-class now, but can he keep that same level two, three, four years from now?
Meanwhile, Askarov comes into his second NHL season. He has been working hard this offseason, improving on areas of his game that needed some attention. Askarov was an elite goalie prospect. The talent is there; he just has to unlock his full potential.
So take a breath, Sharks fans. Grier is just doing his job. The national media is trying to manifest a Hellebuyck-to-San Jose trade. Does that happen? Personally, I do not think so.
The Sharks have faith in Askarov to take the next step this year and become an elite goalie himself. For now, it’s all smoke and mirrors.
