The NHL off-season is in full swing, and trade rumors are swirling around several key players. One of the most prominent names in recent speculation is Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. With long-time playing partner Eric Comrie moving on in free agency and Stuart Skinner joining the team, the Jets now have a bit of security if they decide to trade Hellebuyck. While a deal didn't materialize at the draft, a trade this summer remains extremely likely.
Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina winner, has not formally asked for a trade, but speculation about a possible move continues. Buffalo and San Jose have been speculated as potential landing spots, with San Jose's win-now approach making Hellebuyck an appealing option. However, Hellebuyck's future remains uncertain, and the Jets' decision to trade him could depend on the team's strategy and the availability of suitable destinations.
In other NHL news, former center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare's playing days are over, but his days in the NHL are not. The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they have hired Bellemare as a Player Development Specialist. This is a return to Tampa Bay for Bellemare, who played in 153 games with them between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He will be working with their forward prospects and spending time in the AHL Syracuse.
Defenseman Jeremie Poirier, who was non-tendered by the Dallas Stars last month, has found his next team. The Adler Mannheim of the DEL announced that they have signed Poirier to a one-year contract. Poirier started the season with the Calgary Flames but was traded back in February. He had 16 points in 51 games last season and has a history of 40-plus points in Calgary's system.
Finally, blueliner Nick Cicek has signed a one-year deal with KHL Shanghai. The 26-year-old last saw NHL action in the 2022-23 season when he played in 16 games with the San Jose Sharks. Since then, Cicek has spent time in both the AHL and DEL, recording 25 points and 119 penalty minutes in 70 games with AHL Calgary last season.
