When, or perhaps if, Connor Hellebuyck is traded this season, don\u2019t expect the Edmonton Oilers to be the team landing him.<\/p>\n
The Winnipeg Jets continue to search for a trade involving their star goaltender, who remains suspended by the club as the two sides attempt to find a solution.<\/p>\n
Hellebuyck\u2019s preference is believed to be joining a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which has naturally led to plenty of speculation surrounding potential destinations.<\/p>\n
The Oilers have frequently been mentioned as a possible landing spot<\/a>, particularly after Edmonton made changes in net this offseason without necessarily putting to rest the team\u2019s long-standing questions between the pipes.<\/p>\n Hellebuyck would certainly represent an upgrade, but according to one prominent NHL insider, Edmonton shouldn\u2019t even be considered a possibility.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople have wondered about Edmonton for Connor Hellebuyck. He\u2019s not going to play in Edmonton, so please, let\u2019s stop with that. That\u2019s not happening,\u201d Pierre LeBrun said on TSN\u2019s OverDrive<\/a> on Monday.<\/p>\n That\u2019s about as definitive as it gets.<\/p>\n LeBrun also noted that the Carolina Hurricanes continue to show interest in the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, while the San Jose Sharks have frequently been mentioned as another potential suitor.<\/p>\n Even if Hellebuyck were willing to come to Edmonton, however, actually making a trade work would be a significant challenge for Oilers general manager Stan Bowman.<\/p>\n The 33-year-old carries an $8.5 million annual cap hit through the 2030-31 season, a number that would be extremely difficult for Edmonton to make work given its current salary structure.<\/p>\n The Oilers are obviously in a win-now mode, and adding a goaltender as elite as Hellebuyck would significantly help their chances.<\/p>\n Unfortunately for Edmonton, it appears Hellebuyck won\u2019t be the answer.<\/p>\n And with his contract, acquiring him was likely a long shot anyway.<\/p>\n