Connor Hellebuyck Likely Stays with Jets as Colorado Falls Out

Connor Hellebuyck's trade to Colorado Avalanche is unlikely, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.

On Monday, Friedman spoke on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, discussing the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets.

Friedman noted that several teams are interested in the 33-year-old Michigan native, but Colorado's salary cap issues make a deal difficult.

The Avalanche are tight against the salary cap, and taking on Hellebuyck's contract would require moving out significant pieces of their roster.

A deal of similar magnitude to the Buffalo Sabres' offer, which included the fourth overall pick and starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, would be difficult for Colorado to construct.

The Jets ultimately walked away from discussions with the Sabres, and a trade sending Hellebuyck to Colorado or anywhere else doesn't appear close to happening.

The rumor mill surrounding his future has quieted considerably in recent days, and for now, it looks like the Jets and their franchise goaltender remain right where they started.

Friedman explained that some teams wondered whether Colorado had taken a run at Hellebuyck, but he didn't sound convinced anything could realistically come together.

The added complication of a divisional rival landing a franchise goaltender would push Winnipeg's asking price even higher.

At this point, the Jets and Hellebuyck remain unchanged, with no trade imminent.