Connor Hellebuyck is expected to miss the start of the Jets’ training camp

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to miss the start of the Jets’ training camp
Credit: Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images

The Connor Hellebuyck situation is shaping up to be complicated.

The player had agreed to stay in Winnipeg long-term a few years ago (which helped the Jets avoid a rebuild), and his recent trade request wasn't a major public issue this summer.

In some respects, it was possible to find ways not to hold it against him.

But since then, he's gone public to ask to be traded… and we're now learning that the goaltender isn't expected to report to the Jets' training camp (according to Darren Dreger of TSN).

Let's just say that's a bigger problem.

After all, a guy has the right to ask to leave. But going on strike—let's just say that's a bit childish for a guy who agreed to sign his long-term contract a few years ago.

There's a right way to do things, and this isn't it.

Are the Jets (who will likely suspend him when the season starts if the situation doesn't change) completely in the clear here? No idea. Maybe they were too greedy.

But what I do know is that a goalie who misses training camp is more likely to have a bad season. And teams looking to sign him need to be aware of that.

But that's not the only situation causing a stir in the NHL.

The Detroit Red Wings, who have an interim GM, could keep their hockey executive in that role for the entire season, according to Chris Johnston. So basically, Shawn Horcoff was given a one-year contract to be GM. #Pathetic

And what about Dylan Larkin (who won't be joining the strike)?

If the Red Wings can't trade their (former) captain to a team of his choosing, he could spend the entire upcoming season in Michigan. That's what the team's owner admitted in an interview with the Detroit News.

People often talk about how the Montreal Canadiens have a great culture, and we're seeing that right now. They don't have major problems like this.

Wondering whether Arber Xhekaj is happy with his contract isn't the same as seeing Nick Suzuki ask to be traded, for example. The issues that Kent Hughes didn't resolve this summer are minor compared to all of that.


In a Nutshell

– Read this.

– He's right.

– Ugh.

– Unbelievable.

– Absolutely.

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