Connor Hellebuyck just made his trade demand even more complicated

Training camps are opening across the NHL this week, and the Winnipeg Jets find themselves staring down one of the most difficult goaltending situations in recent memory. Connor Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner who requested a trade following last season, will not report to camp. But the biggest obstacle in moving the 33-year-old netminder may not be the holdout itself. It may be his own list of demands.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Hellebuyck has no interest in remaining in Canada if he leaves Winnipeg. Dreger specifically dismissed the possibility of trades to the Edmonton Oilers or Montreal Canadiens. "He's not waiving to stay in Canada," Dreger said.

That revelation adds yet another layer of difficulty to an already brutal situation for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. Hellebuyck holds a full no-movement clause and reportedly has a select group of teams he would accept a deal to. The problem is that most of those clubs already have solid goaltending and are unwilling to pay full price for an upgrade.

Dreger described the trade offers received so far as "terrible." While there was significant dialogue with the Buffalo Sabres leading up to the draft, that conversation has largely gone quiet. The Carolina Hurricanes have also been linked to Hellebuyck, but nothing currently on the table comes close to what the Jets consider fair value for an elite goaltender with five years left on his contract at an $8.5 million cap hit.

By refusing to waive for any Canadian franchise, Hellebuyck effectively eliminates several potential suitors from the equation. That shrinks an already thin market even further, leaving only a handful of American teams with both the cap space and the motivation to pursue him.

Dreger reported on Monday evening that he does not believe Hellebuyck will show up when camp opens later this week. If the netminder is indeed a no-show, the Jets are expected to formally address the situation by later today or Thursday. Notably, there would be no immediate financial penalty, as NHL players do not begin receiving paychecks until the regular season starts.

Hellebuyck spent all 11 of his NHL seasons in Winnipeg and has earned four All-Star selections and a Hart Trophy during that time. However, last season saw a notable dip, as he posted an .895 save percentage in 57 games while the Jets tumbled from Presidents' Trophy winners to missing the playoffs entirely. He did, however, shine on the international stage, backstopping Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in February.

Cheveldayoff appears willing to hold firm rather than accept a discount return. But with Hellebuyck narrowing the field by ruling out all Canadian destinations, the clock is ticking on finding a deal that works for both sides before this standoff consumes Winnipeg's entire season.