Edmonton Oilers given brutal reality check on Connor Hellebuyck | Daily Hive

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When, or perhaps if, Connor Hellebuyck is traded this season, don’t expect the Edmonton Oilers to be the team landing him.

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.

Hellebuyck’s preference is believed to be joining a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, which has naturally led to plenty of speculation surrounding potential destinations.

The Oilers have frequently been mentioned as a possible landing spot, particularly after Edmonton made changes in net this offseason without necessarily putting to rest the team’s long-standing questions between the pipes.

Hellebuyck would certainly represent an upgrade, but according to one prominent NHL insider, Edmonton shouldn’t even be considered a possibility.

“People have wondered about Edmonton for Connor Hellebuyck. He’s not going to play in Edmonton, so please, let’s stop with that. That’s not happening,” Pierre LeBrun said on TSN’s OverDrive on Monday.

That’s about as definitive as it gets.

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.

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.

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.

The Oilers are obviously in a win-now mode, and adding a goaltender as elite as Hellebuyck would significantly help their chances.

Unfortunately for Edmonton, it appears Hellebuyck won’t be the answer.

And with his contract, acquiring him was likely a long shot anyway.

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