Connor Hellebuyck trade near finalization with a team we did not expect

Connor Hellebuyck remains away from Scott Arniel's Jets, with the San Jose Sharks still tied to one of the NHL's biggest trade situations.

The Sharks have emerged as an unexpected landing spot for Hellebuyck, who requested a trade from Winnipeg and remains under suspension after failing to report to the club.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Winnipeg and San Jose have talked about a potential deal. Hellebuyck would also consider approving a move to the Sharks.

That part matters because Hellebuyck controls his destination through his full no-movement clause. Winnipeg can negotiate, but the goaltender ultimately has to approve where he goes.

"According to multiple reports, the two teams are discussing the former Vezina-winning goaltender, and talks could continue to advance to a finalized trade.

The attraction to San Jose comes down to Hellebuyck's timeline. The 33-year-old wants to join a team capable of competing for the Stanley Cup during the next 3 years."

-NHLTR

San Jose's position is more complicated. General manager Mike Grier isn't convinced the Sharks are already entering the championship window Hellebuyck wants.

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Sharks face a major Hellebuyck decision

That difference in timelines has kept negotiations from advancing as far as might have been expected. Friedman indicated the teams talked, but discussions never went particularly far.

The Sharks have spent aggressively to improve their roster and opened the season with encouraging results. Their young core has also pushed the organization closer to playoff contention.

"Sharks GM Mike Grier has been holding firm on his guns to not include Michael Misa in any trade with the Jets, but may be softening his stance recently. There's talks that the Sharks offer would be centered around Misa and goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. It's likely that four pieces end up heading to Winnipeg in the trade, but Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff his been holding firm that he won't accept a futures oriented package, and wants impact players, who can help the lineup immediately."

-NHLTR

But acquiring Hellebuyck would represent a much bigger commitment. His $8,500,000 cap hit would immediately change the structure of San Jose's crease and force Grier to weigh the present against the organization's longer-term plan.

Yaroslav Askarov is already part of that equation. The Sharks have invested heavily in their young goaltending, creating another reason to think carefully before paying Winnipeg's price.

"32 Thoughts (Oct 5): Elliotte says Winnipeg and San Jose have previously discussed a Hellebuyck trade but it didn't go far. He says Hellebuyck wants to go to a team that can win in the 3 years and has heard he'd be open to going to San Jose."

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For the Jets, accepting a package built mainly around futures isn't an ideal outcome either. Winnipeg still views itself as a team capable of competing now and wants players who can help immediately.

That leaves Hellebuyck's situation unresolved despite San Jose's interest. The fit exists, the goalie is open to it and the teams have talked, but the Sharks' competitive timeline remains the issue standing between discussion and a completed deal.

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