The Colorado Avalanche were in the middle of the frenzy over the last couple of weeks. Joe Sakic made his share of moves, while surprising fans and pundits with some interesting signings.
But one rumor that’s gotten out just seems too good to be true.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Colorado Avalanche were believed to be players for Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
During Monday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman discussed how the Avalanche looked into landing the former Vezina Trophy winner. Hellebuyck’s name has been out there, with the Buffalo Sabres being one of the teams most linked to the 32-year-old.
But it was certainly surprising to hear that the Avalanche could have been players for Hellebuyck.
“I had a couple of teams say to me they wondered if Colorado took a shot at Connor Hellebuyck…. I don’t know how that could work. I don’t know what they could offer… There were a couple of teams that suspected the Avalanche kind of considered it.”
Friedman is right insofar as what the Avalanche could offer for Hellebuyck. Perhaps one of the pieces going back would have been Scott Wedgewood, who lacks trade protection. The Avs might have also looked at throwing in a couple of prospects and their 2029 first-round pick.
Still, the deal would have required the Avalanche to clear sufficient cap space. Hellebuyck has an $8.5 million cap hit. So, that situation would have required significant engineering to make the deal work.
Could Avalanche circle back to Hellebuyck?
First of all, it’s tough to think that the Jets would have made a deal like that with a division rival. But supposing that Hellebuyck twisted Winnipeg’s arm to send him to Colorado, the deal could have gained some traction.
That said, the two sides might circle back to the deal at some point. Why not? Why wouldn’t the Avalanche look into landing Hellebuyck? The organization is clearly in Stanley Cup mode. And even having Wedgewood and MacKenzie Blackwood in the fold, if there’s a chance to add a player like Hellebuyck, you at least look into it.
If it’s not feasible, that’s another story. But at least the organization is willing to take a shot at it.
So, there might be a chance this rumor picks up somewhere. It might take a bit longer to unpack. But it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that Colorado is looking to bring in one more big fish before too long.
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