Story Summary
Jeff Marek and Jason Gregor discussed the possibility that Connor Hellebuyck could be moved before Winnipeg’s training camp. Marek said he would take the ‘no’ on Hellebuyck still being a Jet when camp opens, arguing that there is a wider marketplace for the goaltender and that general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could use competing interest to strengthen the return. Gregor agreed that a deal before camp was possible and said there were teams interested.
Marek cited Hellebuyck’s individual honours, including a gold medal, a Hart Trophy and Vezina trophies, while also acknowledging concerns over his playoff record. He also suggested Winnipeg may prefer to avoid an unsettled atmosphere if trade speculation continues into the season. The discussion was prediction and opinion, not confirmation that a trade is imminent.
Key Facts
- Jeff Marek and Jason Gregor discussed the possibility of a Connor Hellebuyck trade before training camp.
- Marek said he would take ‘no’ on Hellebuyck being a Winnipeg Jet when training camp opens.
- Gregor said Hellebuyck has a longer list than Dylan Larkin in the discussion.
- Marek suggested Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can ‘pit more teams against one another to raise the price’ for Hellebuyck.
- Marek listed Hellebuyck’s individual honours in the conversation as including ‘Gold Medal, Hart, Vezinas’ and said he has not won the Stanley Cup.
- Both hosts acknowledged Hellebuyck’s playoff performances have ‘left something to be desired’ in their view.
- Marek suggested Winnipeg may want to avoid a difficult atmosphere if trade talk continues into the season.
- Gregor said he agreed that Hellebuyck could be dealt before the start of the season and that there are teams interested.
- The discussion referenced training camp, pre-season and the regular-season opener as milestones for the situation.
- These were opinions and predictions, not confirmation of a transaction.
IHM Discussion
The exchange illustrates how trade speculation can shape expectations before camp. Marek’s view that Hellebuyck may not still be a Jet when camp opens was a prediction, not confirmation of a deal. He pointed to a potentially broad market, Hellebuyck’s individual honours and Cheveldayoff’s ability to invite competing offers as reasons Winnipeg could have leverage.
If several clubs pursue the goaltender, the Jets would be better placed to seek a return that matches their valuation. Marek also raised the prospect of an unsettled atmosphere in Winnipeg if speculation follows Hellebuyck into the season.
Neither Marek nor Gregor named trade partners, outlined packages or offered a firm timetable. Their central view was simply that a move before camp was plausible, while the situation remains unresolved.
Why It Matters
A trade before camp would leave the Jets needing to settle their goaltending plan quickly and would reshape the conversation around the club entering the season. For any interested team, Hellebuyck’s awards and experience would be part of the appeal, while the playoff concerns raised in the discussion would remain part of its evaluation. Until a move is completed, those are potential consequences rather than settled outcomes.
IHM Market Outlook
Marek’s view points to a potentially favourable market for Winnipeg if several clubs are interested. His argument was that Hellebuyck’s honours could help Cheveldayoff seek stronger compensation by weighing competing offers.
The playoff concerns raised in the discussion may still affect how teams value a deal. Any buyer would have to decide whether the acquisition cost matches its own plans, while Winnipeg would determine whether an offer is sufficient to move forward.
Mini Q&A
Is the report saying Connor Hellebuyck will definitely be traded before camp?
No. Marek predicted that Hellebuyck may not be a Jet when training camp opens, but no trade has been confirmed.
Why do insiders think Hellebuyck might be moved before training camp?
Marek and Gregor pointed to perceived interest in Hellebuyck, the prospect of competing offers and the possibility that Winnipeg would prefer clarity before the season.
What parts of Hellebuyck’s record did the commentators highlight?
They cited his individual honours – referenced in the discussion as including a Gold Medal, Hart and Vezina trophies – while also saying his playoff performances ‘have left something to be desired.’
What are the immediate dates to watch according to the source?
Training camp, pre-season and the regular-season opener are the immediate milestones mentioned in the discussion.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, an early trade would bring clarity to Winnipeg’s goaltending plan. Any club acquiring Hellebuyck would need to integrate him into its defensive structure quickly, with communication and workload management important during the transition.
What Comes Next
Training camp, pre-season and the start of the regular season are the next natural milestones. Until there is an official move, the discussion remains speculative.
IHM Final View
Marek and Gregor see a plausible path to Hellebuyck being moved before training camp, based on perceived demand and Winnipeg’s ability to seek competing offers. That remains a prediction rather than a confirmed transaction, and the situation will stay speculative until a deal is announced.