Canadiens urged to call Jets about Mark Scheifele amid Connor Hellebuyck trade request

The Winnipeg Jets‘ decision on Connor Hellebuyck could trigger bigger changes across their roster. After Hellebuyck publicly requested a trade, Montreal Canadiens analyst Tony Marinaro suggested calling Winnipeg about Mark Scheifele.

“If Hellebuyck’s gone, I would immediately call them and ask them for Mark Scheifele,” Marinaro said on The Sick Podcast. His argument centers on Winnipeg’s direction if it loses its star NHL goaltender.

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Hellebuyck asked for a trade “several months ago” and recently made the request public. The 33-year-old remains under contract through 2031 with an $8.5 million salary-cap hit.

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The Jets missed the playoffs last season after finishing 35-35-12. Hellebuyck struggled during that campaign, posting a .895 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average.

If Winnipeg trades Hellebuyck, Marinaro thinks the team should consider a wider reset. Scheifele could become another major trade chip if the Jets decide their current core cannot compete.

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Pierre McGuire agreed with the rebuild argument but questioned whether Winnipeg would move quickly. “Highly doubtful,” McGuire said when asked if Scheifele would want to remain through a rebuild.

Canadiens could pursue Mark Scheifele

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) warms up at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

McGuire said Hellebuyck’s departure could make Winnipeg’s situation “a full-on rebuild.” However, he thinks the Jets may hesitate because of their young players and the need to manage their development.

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“The numbers are hard, Tony,” McGuire said. “To make the numbers work in Winnipeg, it’s tough.” That financial reality could shape every decision involving Scheifele and Hellebuyck.

Montreal presents an interesting destination because the Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last season. Their young core includes Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson. Marinaro even said, “The Montreal Canadiens have a better chance to win the Stanley Cup” along with other contenders.

Adding Scheifele would give Montreal another established center and a proven offensive threat. His experience could also help a young Canadiens group handle higher expectations. He could solve their second-line center problem.

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Still, Winnipeg would demand a significant return. Scheifele remains a major part of the Jets’ identity, and moving him would signal a deeper organizational change.

So, the question for Montreal becomes whether acquiring Scheifele fits its timeline. If Winnipeg opens the door, Marinaro hopes that the Canadiens should at least make the call.

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