Trade rumors have certainly picked up this week, particularly around Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin and the Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck. While the Canadiens have every reason to pay attention to Larkin, who has expanded his team list but still hasn't included Montreal.
However, they also should be paying attention to Hellebuyck, not necessarily because they are going to acquire him, but rather because they might be the first team that has to face a new-look Jets team. Hellebuyck has been suspended to begin the season due to his failure to report to training camp and that suspension ends on Friday.
The challenge for the Jets is that they don't appear to want to welcome Hellebuyck back, and this in a way creates a deadline to get a trade done. For the Jets, their first game after this Friday deadline is Sunday at the Heritage Classic against the Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens need to be prepared for anything for this game against the Jets
While the Jets right now don't appear to want to bring Hellebuyck back to the active roster, they may have no choice if the star goalie is willing to return. The other option would be to just pay him to stay away from the team.
If he isn't moved, it is hard to imagine that they will put Hellebuyck right on the ice without some kind of practice or ramp-up period. Where this trade saga could impact the Canadiens is if they do trade him as they are expected to get a quality return, and one that includes NHL players.
In that scenario, the Jets could have a much better lineup than they do right now. To begin the season, the Jets have been more competitive than expected at 4-3-2 with 10 points through nine games.
Any improvements to the lineup will make this matchup that much more competitive. The challenge for the Canadiens is that it is unclear who those players might be and doesn't give them much time to prepare ahead of their matchup.
The Montreal Canadiens are not in the market for a goalie, or at least acquiring a goalie, but they could be the first team impacted by a potential end to the Connor Hellebuyck drama this week.
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