Connor Hellebuyck isn't expected to report by the time the Jets open their season against Boston on October 2, according to Elliotte Friedman.
"I know there's people asking, is there any chance he shows up for the start of the season, I'm not expecting that," Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.
The Jets suspended him on September 17 when he didn't report to training camp.
The regular season opens Tuesday, and from then on a suspended player forfeits his pay for every day he's out.
That means his paycheck starts shrinking three days before the Jets even play a game.
He carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, and only two NHL goalies carry a bigger one.
So who gets the net on opening night?
Elliotte Friedman: Re Connor Hellebuyck/Jets: I know there's people asking, is there any chance he shows up for the start of the season, I'm not expecting that - 32 Thoughts (9/25)
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Connor Hellebuyck expected to lose salary as Jets suspension continues
Stuart Skinner is the likely starter. The Jets signed him on July 1 to a two-year deal worth $3.75 million a year.
His final preseason tune-up was a 5-2 loss at Colorado, where he made 28 saves on 32 shots.
Scott Arniel's group finished the preseason 1-2-1.
The Jets should stop waiting for a perfect offer. Every week this drags on costs the goalie money and keeps their most expensive netminder off the ice.
It's like a band touring without its lead singer. The shows still go on, but nobody's pretending it sounds the same.
His full no-movement clause means he has to approve any trade, and he won't approve a move to another Canadian team.
That clause becomes a 10-team no-trade list on July 1, 2027.
Buffalo, Utah and San Jose continue to monitor the situation, according to Nick Kypreos. Friedman has also said the Hurricanes are interested.
Kypreos added that teams keep pushing the Jets to take blue-chip prospects instead of roster players.
Marco Sturm's Bruins open Tuesday against the Rangers before visiting Winnipeg on October 2.
The Jets also host Montreal outdoors at the Heritage Classic on October 25.
If Friedman is right, October 2 kicks off a waiting game that gets more expensive for Hellebuyck with every single day.
Should the Jets trade Connor Hellebuyck before he misses a single regular-season game?
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