NHL Rumors: Hellebuyck Trade, Jets Fallout, Savoie Update, Miller Admission – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Connor Hellebuyck has publicly confirmed that he wants out of Winnipeg, giving the Jets even more pressure to find a trade before training camp. Meanwhile, speculation is already growing about whether Mark Scheifele or other Jets could follow Hellebuyck out the door. The Edmonton Oilers provided some injury updates on four players missing camp. Finally, former Canucks forward J.T. Miller has revealed a significant detail about the mysterious leave he took during his time with the team.

Connor Hellebuyck Publicly Confirms Trade Request

Connor Hellebuyck has officially gone public with his trade request, confirming that he asked the Winnipeg Jets to move him several months ago. In a statement, Hellebuyck expressed his gratitude toward Winnipeg but made it clear that his position has not changed and that he believes moving on is the best decision for himself and his family.

The veteran goaltender said he tried to handle the situation privately and respectfully while allowing the Jets time to explore their options. The Jets also confirmed that they’ve been aware of Hellebuyck’s position for some time.

The goaltender said in his statement that with training camp approaching, however, he felt it was important to confirm the situation publicly.

Hellebuyck Open to Several Landing Spots

While the Hellebuyck situation is obviously a major problem for the Jets, NHL insider Chris Johnston noted that Winnipeg isn’t completely stuck when it comes to finding a trade partner. A key difference between Hellebuyck’s situation and some other trade requests around the NHL is that the goaltender is reportedly willing to waive his no-movement clause for a variety of teams.

That gives Winnipeg more options than it otherwise would. The issue is that the offers coming back haven’t satisfied the Jets so far. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will continue to explore the market, but finding a return that makes sense for a franchise already trying to remain competitive won’t be easy.

Could Mark Scheifele Be Next in Winnipeg?

Hellebuyck’s decision is also raising questions about what could happen with other Winnipeg stars if the Jets fail to turn things around. Montreal radio personality Tony Marinaro recently suggested that if Hellebuyck were traded, the Canadiens should immediately call Winnipeg about Mark Scheifele.

There is no indication that Scheifele has requested a trade, and there shouldn’t be any assumption that he’s heading out of Winnipeg. Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi are all signed long-term, giving the Jets a core they can build around. In fact, Murat Ates of The Athletic suggests Morrissey is not interested in a trade.

At the end of the day, a significant return for Hellebuyck could also help Winnipeg improve its roster and get back into playoff contention. Still, if the Jets continue to struggle, questions about the futures of their veteran stars will only become louder.

Savoie Will Not Miss Most of the Season

Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman provided an update on the injuries to Matt Savoie and Frederik Andersen.

It was revealed on Thursday that four players would miss training camp. Savoie and Andersen, Mattias Janmark and Alec Regula. For Savoie and Andersen, October was expected to be a return month, and Bowman suggested Savoie’s injury wasn’t serious. “It’s not like he’s going to miss half a season or anything like that. It’s going to be much less than that.”

Andersen won’t be rushed back and the Oilers will take their time with the 36-year-old.

J.T. Miller Reveals He Went to Rehab

Former Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller has finally revealed a significant detail about his mysterious leave of absence during his time in Vancouver. Appearing on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Miller acknowledged that he “went to rehab” when responding to a joke from host Paul Bissonnette about his infamous feud with Elias Pettersson.

The comment came while Miller was playing golf with the podcast hosts, and he appeared comfortable with the admission, even telling producers they didn’t need to edit it out. Miller did not explain exactly when he went to rehab or what prompted him to do so, leaving much of the situation private.

Still, his comments provide a little more context and clarity about an ugly situation with Pettersson that ended with Miller’s trade to the Rangers.