New Jersey reportedly preparing for a massive blockbuster deal

Connor Hellebuyck's name is now tied to a third team, with the New Jersey Devils reportedly eyeing a true starting goalie.

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau raised the idea this week, framing New Jersey as a team well positioned to make a real move in net.

The Devils have already been busy. General manager Sunny Mehta signed forward Anthony Mantha and traded Simon Nemec to Calgary this offseason.

Mantha posted 33 goals and 31 assists for 64 points over 81 games this past season, giving New Jersey real scoring depth up front already.

Jacob Markstrom was also dealt to Florida, and New Jersey signed David Rittich to a modest one-year, $1 million deal as a stopgap.

Proteau does not see Rittich as the finishing move. He believes Fitzgerald still wants a true starting goaltender before the season begins.

Jordan Binnington would cost a lot less to get

Hellebuyck is the bigger name in the conversation. A package built around Jake Allen, multiple first-round picks and a prospect or two has been floated as a starting point.

Winnipeg would likely also want forward Dawson Mercer included in any deal, according to the reporting, given his 42 points this past season.

Binnington is the cheaper alternative. St. Louis has already turned to Joel Hofer as its goaltender of the present and future, with Hofer posting a .909 save percentage and six shutouts.

That leaves Binnington, who posted a .875 save percentage over 40 games last season, as the more likely trade chip for a team ready to move on.

"Think of how dominant the Devils could be with someone like Connor Hellebuyck or Jordan Binnington in net," Proteau wrote.

"That kind of trade would propel the Devils to the top of the Metro."

New Jersey has already made its intentions clear this summer. Whether the answer in net is Hellebuyck, Binnington, or someone else entirely is the one piece still missing.