Flyers' division rival may land the best goalie available
The New Jersey Devils made it to the playoffs this season after a comeback but unfortunately lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round.
As they look to the post-season, they aim to acquire new players to improve their chances of winning the Stanley Cup in the next season. One player that may fit this bill is Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.
Seems to me that GM Tom Fitzgerald's offseason mandate in New Jersey is crystal as the Devils attempt to make the jump from contender to champion, and that is to acquire a franchise goaltender.
And there is likely going to be one available in Winnipeg, with perennial Vezina contender Connor Hellebuyck one year away from free agency and unlikely to sign an extension after seven seasons with the Jets.
There would likely be a bidding war for the netminder, who will turn 30 this coming Friday. The Penguins, currently without a GM, would be interested. The Senators might take a look. The Kings might take a gander at the Vezina finalist who carries a $6.2 million cap hit into next season, which would be a disqualifier for some.
- Larry Brooks
And there is likely going to be one available in Winnipeg, with perennial Vezina contender Connor Hellebuyck one year away from free agency and unlikely to sign an extension after seven seasons with the Jets.
There would likely be a bidding war for the netminder, who will turn 30 this coming Friday. The Penguins, currently without a GM, would be interested. The Senators might take a look. The Kings might take a gander at the Vezina finalist who carries a $6.2 million cap hit into next season, which would be a disqualifier for some.
- Larry Brooks
New Jersey could start by offering Jesper Bratt, the 24-year-old winger coming up on restricted free agency with arbitration rights and a required $5.45 million qualifying offer � and coming off the most disappointing playoff performance of any Devil.
Their 2023 first-rounder is gone, off to San Jose for Timo Meier � who found the way to be a valuable presence in the playoffs with relentless physical play despite the 40-goal scorer getting just two in 11 games.
At this juncture, they have just five varsity forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders under contract for next season. Vitek Vanecek had a stabilizing year in net but was inadequate in the postseason. MacKenzie Blackwood would be a good one to offer up to the Jets in a package for Hellebuyck.
- Larry Brooks
Their 2023 first-rounder is gone, off to San Jose for Timo Meier � who found the way to be a valuable presence in the playoffs with relentless physical play despite the 40-goal scorer getting just two in 11 games.
At this juncture, they have just five varsity forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders under contract for next season. Vitek Vanecek had a stabilizing year in net but was inadequate in the postseason. MacKenzie Blackwood would be a good one to offer up to the Jets in a package for Hellebuyck.
- Larry Brooks
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Hellebuyck has expressed his desire to win in post-season interviews, indicating that he may not want to stay with the Jets during their rebuild. However, acquiring Hellebuyck may require the Devils to offer some valuable talent in return, especially since they have already traded their 2023 1st round pick for Timo Meier.
Players such as Jesper Bratt or Vitek Vanacek may be on the table to be traded for the Vezina contender.
Although Hellebuyck's $6.2 Million cap hit may be significant, his goaltending skills could be worth the investment if Fitzgerald decides to pursue this move.
Source:Hockeyfeed.com
| POLL | ||
19 MAI | 48 ANSWERS Flyers' division rival may land the best goalie available Should Tom Fitzgerald make a splash for Connor Hellebuyck? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 68.8 % |
| No | 15 | 31.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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