Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuyck (Photo by Mike Sudoma / Free Press)

Losing close to US$1 million in salary is probably a factor as well, even though Hellebuyck has made plenty during the past decade-plus in the NHL.

Could the end of the suspension date going public force one of the interested parties to enhance their offer to make the deal?

Some teams around the NHL are likely searching for an upgrade.

Given the harmonious nature of the Jets’ locker room right now, paying Hellebuyck to stay at home is another option the organization can consider.

The other option for Hellebuyck to try to return to the group would probably require some mending of fences — both in terms of a private apology and some explanation about whether or not his position has changed.

If he did that the Jets would need to clear a roster spot and pay his salary. Hellebuyck would be the third goalie until a deal is worked out.

Jets captain Adam Lowry said it was unfair to speculate what could transpire in the coming days, but shared similar sentiments to what Kyle Connor offered on the first day of training camp, when he was asked about Hellebuyck being absent.

“Do I love the decision, do I love the way it’s dragged on? No. But we’ll handle the situation when it comes,” said Lowry. “Obviously, we’re disappointed, he’s one of the best goalies in the world. But at the same time, it’s news but it’s unfair to speculate on what’s going to happen between now and Friday. ‘If he does show up, there’s going to be conversations. There’s going to have to be one of those whatever under the bridge things. We keep moving forward. We’re a team, regardless of who’s in the room.’”

Connor wasn’t interested in discussing the topic when it was raised on Saturday after the game.

“I’m not going to really comment on that,” said Connor. “We’ll save that stuff for later.”

If Hellebuyck shows up and rescinds his trade request, now that’s another story — though that scenario seems very unlikely at this point and time.

Cameras caught Cheveldayoff chatting with Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky prior to the game, which is noteworthy because the defending Stanley Cup champions are one of the teams that Hellebuyck has been linked to.

There are other suitors, some of whom have yet to reveal their best offer, which only adds to the intrigue.

The Jets have earned praise around the hockey world for their ability to sidestep any potential distractions and a 42-game start has prevented any sense of panic from setting in.

However, it’s also true that as well as the Jets have played, the need to find secondary scoring could be addressed by bringing in a pair of middle-six forwards as part of a Hellebuyck package.

Given the way Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson (who made 34 saves on Saturday) have performed, it’s apparent the Jets no longer need to get a goalie back in a Hellebuyck trade.

So that changes things a little bit, though agreeing on the value of the package the Jets get back in return is a work in progress.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel has been adamant in his desire to focus on the players he has at his disposal and had zero interest in dealing with something that remains a hypothetical.