Winnipeg Jets Discussion - 2026/27 season

[blue_gold_84]

Hopefully the Jets won't have to pay him much, if not anything. Sounds like they're talking with the Devils to work out a trade: https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/hellebuyck-trade-talks-escalating-with-potential-deal-coming-friday/

It'd be nice to see this whole craptacular situation get resolved today. And then we can say good riddance and then boo him when the Devils are in town in a few weeks.

[theaardvark]

This whole situation with Hellebuyck is just annoying at this point.

Unless he seriously atones for the garbage he's pulled on this team (I have no idea what atonement would even entail), I say let him ride the pine.

It pains me to say that because I sincerely believed he'd be a Jet for life.

Rumours are that the deal happens today.  Before he has to be put on the roster and bump someone.

[JockitchwithRich]

The lead on The Fan Hockey Show is this breaking news

[blue_gold_84]

It's official: https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/jets-trading-hellebuyck-to-devils-as-saga-comes-to-an-end-at-last/

Details to follow.

[Pigskin]

We got a point but certainly wasted a very good performance
by Stuuuu.

Personally feel the experiment with Bjorck should be done.
Has a lot of skill and smarts in his arsenal but we only saw mere flashes of such. Meanwhile hockey is results driven and I'm suggesting he hone these capabilities for the balance of this season elsewhere. Give him a chance to get stronger with less pressure in this limelight

Agree, kid has the speed, lacking finish around the net. Yager would be a better option at this point.

[blue_gold_84]

Jets acquire Mercer, Command and more from Devils

to NJD: G Hellebuyck

to WPG: F Mercer, F Command, G Daws, F Bjugstad, 2027 7th, 2029 2nd

[Pigskin]

Mercer: 6-0" 180 (C). Shoots Right.  20-30 G per season. 24 years cap hit $4M RFA in 2027.

Bjugstad: 6'-6" 210. (C/RW) cap hit $1.75. UFA in 2027.

Daws: Don't really need another goalie. We have one of the best goalies in the AHL. $1.1 RFA 2028.

Just glad it's over.

[Jesse]

They have a choice, as I said, make him do a "conditioning stint" of 10 games with the Moose. If they haven't got a deal by then, give him a  couch cheque.

But not tomorrow.

It doesn't matter now, but Helle would had to agree to a conditioning stint. They can't force him.

[JockitchwithRich]

Team just added a real decent middle six in Mercer, who is quite young and has upside
Command could be a future force up the middle in a couple years

Wishy washy on why they grabbed an underachiever in Daws .
Guessing Mud goes on waivers

[theaardvark]

Team just added a real decent middle six in Mercer, who is quite young and has upside
Command could be a future force up the middle in a couple years

Wishy washy on why they grabbed an underachiever in Daws .
Guessing Mud goes on waivers

Guessing a goalie had to come back.  I'd think Daws goes on waivers.

[Jesse]

Team just added a real decent middle six in Mercer, who is quite young and has upside
Command could be a future force up the middle in a couple years

Wishy washy on why they grabbed an underachiever in Daws .
Guessing Mud goes on waivers

I like Mud, Daws doesn't seem that impressive.

Mercer seems like a good depth piece. Obviously not the top scorer that we were shooting for.

Bjugstad is on IR and old and been ineffective for the last couple years.

Command I remember hearing very good things about at the draft. Many people suggesting we could pick him at #8 if Bjork wasn't available. The big future piece that I was hoping we'd get in the Helle trade.

[bluengold204]

New Jersey took our lunch

[Pigskin]

Helli for Larkin, Helli goes home, and Devils get a much needed 2nd. line C??  And Larkin stays in the US. 

[Pigskin]

Now time to get rid of NN62 and VN7.

[blue_or_die]

I think this trade went about as well as could be expected given the terrible position Helle put us in.

- We get a "today" piece in Mercer to add some very much-needed scoring:
2025/26: 20G/42P
2024/25: 19G/36P
2023/24: 20G/33P
2022/23: 27G/56P
2021/22: 17G/42P
Played ALL 82 games in each of those years. I think we put him at 2C and let Viggo develop (I'm not sure if I totally agree he should be sent down but I think this is what will happen). FWIW, I saw some online stuff about Devils fans being frustrated that he wasn't surrounded by good enough players and he has a higher ceiling, and if that's true, Vilardi will help in that department. Might be good to put Iaffalo back up there with him too for more vet support and speed.

- We get a future piece in Command

- We get some depth in Bjugstad and Daws. I don't think we need either but they are fine.

- The picks are likely meaningless but futures were always going to be a part of this deal

- We get the circus and the drama queen out of here and can focus on ourselves and players that want to be here

Not sure what others were expecting with our backs against the wall, but this is perfectly fine. Way better than the "pretty good backup goalie" we apparently absolutely had to have in return and a bag of used pucks.