Winnipeg named its asking price for Connor Hellebuyck and it is not small

Connor Hellebuyck has been in trade rumours this summer, and reportedly the package to acquire him is going to be of astronomical proportions.

One of the top goaltenders in the world, Connor Hellebuyck has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason. After several of his Team USA teammates left for greener pastures, many wondered if he would be next to want out of town.

Any team would instantly be getting a star in the crease, and though it's going to cost a heavy price he's certainly worth it.

Hellebuyck, 33, holds a career 345-208-55 record with a 2.58 GAA and .916 SV% with a Hart Trophy, three Vezina's, and two Jennings Trophies so suffice to say he's one of the best despite not winning the big one.

If he's on the block though, then several teams are going to be fighting hard for him and while we've heard a lot about Hellebuyck and a potential Buffalo trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs should also look into acquiring him.

Toronto just signed Bobrovsky but it never hurts to ask about Hellebuyck

But why? They just signed Sergei Bobrovsky, so why would you bring in Hellebuyck? Well, you still play the field even if you're ahead in the game. Toronto is solidified for now with Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz, but why not a 1-2 of Hellebuyck and Bobrovsky?

It's based more in fantasy than reality, so why not take a stab at it?

Reportedly the package for acquiring Hellebuyck from Buffalo includes the following:

- Ukko-Pekka Lukkonen
- Second-Line Forward
- A Top Prospect

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While that's an incredibly lucrative package, you have to remember who you're getting. Winnipeg obviously wants a young starter with immense potential, someone who can slot into the lineup, and a top prospect.

Now, Toronto is over the cap and needs to make room for any such deal, but when you take a look at the total price of both Bobrovsky ($7-million) and Hellebuyck ($8.5-million) isn't bad for five Vezina Trophies and two Stanley Cups. Plus, his contract is up in 2031, so he can help them win now, and be able to play beyond Bobrovsky once his deal is done.

What it would actually cost the Maple Leafs to acquire Hellebuyck

Well, if the team knew this a couple weeks ago maybe they would have held onto Dennis Hildeby and used him as leverage for a potential Hellebuyck swap.

But now without him, the team is going to have to bite the bullet and trade Artur Akhtyamov if they wanna get it done. He fits the top prospect role or the Lukkonen part of the trade, meanwhile the team can trade away their 2027 first-round pick as well.

They could also try and convince Winnipeg to take Stolarz back as a cheaper, veteran option who can still give them 25 starts but it leaves them with only Stuart Skinner in net.

Also to note, both Hellebuyck and Skinner share the same agent, so you'd wonder why he would have Skinner (a presumed starter) head to a place where he's already got skin in the game and it's brought out the tinfoil hats out in Manitoba:

Adding to the intrigue is that Stuart Skinner's agent, Ray Petkau, is also Connor Hellebuyck's agent; You think he's selling Skinner on the concept of Winnipeg if he thinks Hellebuyck is still going to be here? Of course not. - Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press (07/11)

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Miroslav Holinka or Ben Danford may also be in play and for the latter, after the Maple Leafs stocked up on mobile defenders this past draft, could be potentially expendable if it helps bring in a star.

The one kicker is losing a second-line forward. You're not dealing away Nylander, Knies, or Tavares but there could be a world where Easton Cowan is in play. While it's disheartening to lose two of the team's top young prospects, the chance to have a legendary goaltending tandem may be worth the risk.

That's a huge risk though as both Danford and Cowan have the ability to be solid-to-above average players in the NHL meanwhile Akhtyamov could be a stud in net and that pick may lead to something bigger down the line.

All of that for a chance to have the greatest goalie duo in Maple Leafs history.

Worth it? Maybe. Is it gonna happen? Probably not.

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