Revelation: Jarmo Kekäläinen was orchestrating a major trade in the NHL – three top names on the table
The Buffalo Sabres’ GM Jarmo Kekäläinen has revealed new details about the effort to acquire Winnipeg Jets’ star goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
The Fourth Period insider reporter David Pagnotta previously opened up about the known information that Buffalo and Winnipeg were negotiating Hellebuyck’s trade during the NHL draft in June.
According to the reporter, the Sabres players mentioned in the discussions were forwards Jack Quinn and Ryan McLeod, as well as defensive prospect Radim Mrtka. However, the negotiations did not lead to a trade, and there is no information on whether all three players were part of the same trade package.
Buffalo is reportedly still interested in Hellebuyck, in any case.
A potential blockbuster trade would significantly impact the future of Buffalo’s current number one goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Acquiring Hellebuyck could lead to Luukkonen being traded elsewhere.
Kekäläinen calmed trade rumors on Tuesday in an interview with WGR 550, where the Finnish executive expressed his confidence in Luukkonen.
– Luukkonen is a really good goalie with a lot to offer the Buffalo Sabres. He will be a big part of our future, Kekäläinen stated.
The GM also admitted that Luukkonen’s start to the season has been below expectations.
– Has he been at the same level as last year? Probably not. Can he return to that level? I believe he can.
The suspension of Hellebuyck, who has been watching NHL games without pay at the start of the season, is set to end on Friday, when the star goalie is expected to return to the Winnipeg team.
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