Connor Hellebuyck's future under Scott Arniel just got more interesting after Elliotte Friedman revealed why Buffalo made the goalie's list.
The Winnipeg Jets star isn't simply looking for a change of scenery. Friedman says Hellebuyck is focused on where he believes he can win during the next 2 to 3 years. Illegal Curve
That detail puts the Buffalo Sabres right back in the middle of the trade conversation.
Buffalo and Winnipeg already discussed Hellebuyck around the NHL Draft. Friedman reported at the time that Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-movement clause for Buffalo before those talks stalled. Sportsnet.ca
Now Friedman has supplied the reasoning behind that willingness. Hellebuyck apparently views Buffalo as a club capable of competing inside the window that matters most to him.
That's a major statement about where he believes the Sabres stand.
Hellebuyck sees something in the Sabres
Friedman explained on the FAN Hockey Show that Hellebuyck sees his winning window as the next 2 to 3 years, adding that this is why Buffalo appeared on his list. Illegal Curve
The Sabres aren't being treated as some fallback destination. Hellebuyck's willingness to go there is tied directly to his belief that Buffalo can give him a chance to chase something immediately.
That fits with what Friedman has reported elsewhere about the goalie's approach. Hellebuyck has apparently given Winnipeg more possible destinations because his priority is finding a place where he believes he can win. The Hockey Beast
Buffalo carries extra weight because the two organizations have already explored the possibility. This isn't simply an interesting theoretical fit being created in September.
Hellebuyck's preference also gives the Sabres leverage to remain involved if Winnipeg decides to reopen those talks. His contract carries an $8,500,000 cap hit, so any deal would require serious roster planning. Sportsnet.ca
The bigger takeaway is what Friedman exposed about Hellebuyck's thinking. Buffalo made the cut because the goalie believes the Sabres can win during the remaining prime years of his career.
And after trade discussions already reached the table once, that makes Buffalo a destination worth watching if the Jets push toward a deal.
Should the Sabres make an aggressive push for Connor Hellebuyck?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Three suspensions laid to NHL stars will affect their clubs heading into the season
