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NHL Insider leaks Connor Hellebuyck's potential next NHL destination

Is he headed West?

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The 2022-23 NHL season for the Winnipeg Jets came to an unceremonious close earlier this spring against the Vegas Golden Knights, bowing out in a quick five game series. And immediately after their season ended, the sparring between head coach Rick Bowness and former captain Blake Wheeler was made public, giving fans a foreshadowing of what will likely be a summer of major changes. 

One player who is entering the final season of his contract is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who is arguably the most important figure on the roster. He's already told the Jets in no uncertain terms that he has no interest in being part of a rebuilding team, and it looks as though his time in Winnipeg has come to a close. 

So, where exactly could he end up this summer? According to one notable NHL Insider, the most logical relocation for Hellebuyck is none other than in Hollywood.

"Frank Seravalli says on Kyper and Bourne that Hellebuyck to LA makes the most sense bc their window is opening and you can get the most out of Kopitar's final year of his current contract. #gokingsgo"

The Kings made the call to part ways with former franchise goaltender Jonathan Quick, sending him to the Columbus Blue Jackets at the NHL Trade Deadline; as a sign of respect for his past accomplishments, the Blue Jackets immediately flipped him to the Vegas Golden Knights, and he can win a third Stanley Cup ring as soon as tomorrow night should his teammates defeat the Florida Panthers. 

Meanwhile, it looks as though the Kings may be moving in a different direction when it comes to the future of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, whom they acquired from Columbus in the Quick deal. 

"Seravalli also confirms what @DennisTFP said on the @FullPressNHL Podcast saying that if the Kings wanted to bring back Korpisalo the deal would have been done already. As DB said the Kings had 1 goalie signed and was probably not going bring back Korpisalo. #gokingsgo"

Time will tell if Los Angeles ultimately proves to be Hellebuyck's next destination. But on the surface, it certainly makes logistical sense. 

Source: Twitter