According to the latest league-wide breakdown, ESPN is predicting that the Utah Mammoth could swing a blockbuster trade to land Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
While bringing a perennial Vezina Trophy contender like Hellebuyck to Utah would instantly elevate the franchise into elite Stanley Cup contender territory, the acquisition won’t come cheap.
ESPN’s breakdown notes that the Jets are primarily hunting for center depth in any potential return package. Speculation immediately points toward young center prospects like Caleb Desnoyers, though it remains to be seen if Utah’s front office would be willing to part with such high-end young assets to secure a franchise netminder. Nick Schmaltz has a no-trade clause and Barrett Hayton is a UFA after this season.
Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong and owner Ryan Smith have never been shy about making bold moves to accelerate the team’s timeline. With Utah looking to build off its 25-26 season.
Very interesting to see if Utah makes any bold moves during the season after a busy offseason.