Could the Rangers pursue Connor Hellebuyck? What’s going on with Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson, Hurricanes blueliner Alexander Nikishin, and Flames forward Connor Zary? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports there’s been plenty of wild internet speculation that Winnipeg Jets holdout Connor Hellebuyck would be a fit to replace New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterskin, who suffered a season-ending injury on Friday.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Friedman dismissed the idea, pointing out that it would give the Rangers two goaltenders with expensive long-term contracts. He believes the Blueshirts will try to be patient and not make any panic move regarding their goaltending.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: ESPN’s Kevin Weekes was among those wondering if the Rangers might make a play for Hellebuyck for one year.

Shesterkin is in the second year of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $11.567 million. Hellebuyck is in the third year of a seven-year deal with an AAV of $8.5 million.

Hellebuyck is holding out trying to force a trade, but it’s doubtful the Rangers can afford the Jets’ high asking price if they were inclined to pursue him. Some folks on social media have suggested the Rangers acquire Hellebuyck, keep him just for this season, and then flip him to another club next summer.

However, Hellebuyck probably prefers joining a team where he’ll be part of their future beyond this season. The Rangers also wouldn’t want the headache of trying to find a trade partner willing to meet their asking price.

Meanwhile, Weekes wondered if Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild, Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche, former Rangers backup Jonathan Quick, former Anaheim Ducks goalie Petr Mrazek, or former Ottawa Senators backup James Reimer would be targeted by the Rangers.

Gustavsson is on LTIR recovering from offseason hip surgery. Blackwood is seeing the bulk of the starts for the Avalanche, so he’s probably unavailable. Mrazek and Reimer are UFAs, making them more likely options if the Rangers want to go that route.

Weekes’ colleague Emily Kaplan reported Quick is comfortable in retirement as the Rangers director of goaltending development. However, she stated that sources claim he could be a possibility if the club asked him to play.

Turning to Simon Edvinsson, Friedman claimed the situation remains unchanged for the 23-year-old Detroit Red Wings defenseman. He still prefers a trade, but the Red Wings still hope to re-sign him. Friedman indicated that the Red Wings are willing to consider several contract terms for Edvinsson.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Red Wings must do some serious fence-mending to convince the young blueliner to change his mind.

As for Alexander Nikishin, Friedman doesn’t see any trade possibility on the horizon for the 24-year-old Carolina Hurricanes defenseman. He thinks the Hurricanes would bring him back, though his contract still has to be determined.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored that Nikishin seeks a long-term deal with an AAV of $9 million. Combine that with what could be a high asking price from the Hurricanes, and it’s not surprising that a trade cannot be found at this early stage of the season. The longer he sits out, the more it could hurt his trade value.

Friedman reported the Vancouver Canucks could be among the teams interested in Connor Zary. The Calgary Flames demoted the 24-year-old forward after clearing waivers last week. However, he doesn’t think anything’s imminent.