Winnipeg Jets Wild Trade Ideas: The Blue Jacket Blockbuster

The Winnipeg Jets will make a splash on the trade market only if they feel it genuinely improves the team without putting too much of a damper on their future. That doesn’t mean they won’t make a splash, however.

The Winnipeg Jets have gotten improved play from Connor Hellebucyk as of late, but he’s still not where the team wants him to be.

They could also use some scoring outside of the top line, especially at 5 on 5. I’m sure GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is out there, grinding for upgrades.

Don’t be surprised to see Winnipeg stand pat at the deadline, as I can’t see them overpaying. Honestly, I’d be disappointed if the team didn’t acquire anyone to help out in the top six, but I’m not running a hockey team.

But I know the Jets won’t sacrifice the future for the present. But if they wanted to, they could go pseudo all-in. The Blue Jackets are in a tough position. They’re probably not good enough to contend in the East, especially with Tampa, Toronto and Washington ahead of them.

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That doesn’t even bring up Pittsburgh, Boston, Montreal and the….Metro-leading Islanders? What a world we live in. But they’re going to make the playoffs, in all likelihood, so there’s no real reason to tear it down.

They could go for it, one last run. See, Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky are both scheduled to be free agents at the end of this season. It’s supremely unlikely that Panarin returns, although I still think he’ll be wearing red and blue next season. Blue Jacket, blueshirt, what’s the difference?

Bobrovsky is a two time Vezina winner who has fallen on hard times this season. He’s sitting at a .901 save percentage and a 3.01 GAA, both of which are, well, terrible.

But he’s an elite talent who is still just 30, and he had a .921 save percentage last season. In the two years combined prior to this season, he had a .926 save percentage and a 2.24 GAA. Expand it to all the way from 2012-last year, he’s at .923 and 2.37.

Connor Hellebuck, for all his gusto last season, never had anything close to that in his admittedly brief career before that, and he’s been mediocre again this season. There are reasons to think Bobrovsky will be better moving forward.

So, what I’m suggesting gives the Blue Jackets some certainty, and the Jets some volatility and improved forward play. Trade Sergei Bobrovsky AND Panarin for Hellebuyck. On the Jets side, you’ll probably have to throw in some young forwards.

Would Jack Roslovic and some picks work? Or would they need to include Kristian Vesalainen? Who knows, I’m not an NHL GM. But the template is there. Connor Hellebuyck would be under contract for five more seasons, giving the CBJs a solid option in net.

It also gives them some young talent that is close to or NHL ready as it stands. It’s not a terrible deal (Bobrovsky does have a no-move clause, but we’ll assume he’ll waive it).

Panarin is an amazing fit for Winnipeg. He’d slot into the second line and drive possession, score at 5 on 5 and help Patrik Laine be a more competent scorer. An elite scorer, especially at full strength, on the second line would be a huge upgrade for Winnipeg. And they get a high-end talent in the pipes, although it’s uncertain whether he’d be a clear upgrade.

It wouldn’t matter, because Panarin would be. Will this happen? No, absolutely not. They’re not moving Hellebuyck for rentals. That’s not the Winnipeg Jets way. But it sure would be a hell of a lot of fun.