Check out the latest on Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, and Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE WINNIPEG SUN: Paul Friesen reported that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s efforts to trade Connor Hellebuyck have been fruitless since the goaltender made his trade request in April.

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).

Cheveldayoff indicated that he’s not in a rush to acquiesce to Hellebuyck’s wishes, adding that he wants a return that pays off now, not down the road.

“If it’s future assets…how many years into the future, that’s not the message I’m sending to Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Dylan Samberg, the people that are committing to this organization,” Chevelayoff said.

Cheveldayoff pointed out that trading a starting goalie is different than trading a center or defenseman. Each team has one No.1 netminder, and most are already contractually set at that position.

THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates understands why some fans want the Jets to make an example of Hellebuyck by letting him rot on the sidelines this season. However, it doesn’t address why he wants out of Winnipeg: his loss of faith in the team’s ability to compete for the Stanley Cup, and that the 33-year-old goalie is running out of time to win hockey’s holy grail.

Ates believes there are only two ways for the Jets to improve: Hellebuyck returns to the team (which seems unlikely), or he’s traded for players or draft picks who can help the team. Ultimately, he’s advocating for Cheveldayoff to make the best trade possible and move on.

Meanwhile, Ates’ colleague Pierre LeBrun reports league sources with knowledge of the situation claim the Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in Hellebuyck. Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky declined to comment about that rumor.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff’s received some criticism for not finalizing a rumored deal with the Buffalo Sabres back in June. He may have been betting on getting a better offer as the summer progressed, but those possibilities no longer seem available.

Teams might not be willing to meet Cheveldayoff’s asking price now, but that can change if injuries strike or a rival club’s goaltending proves less stable than expected.

Cheveldayoff undoubtedly wants to get Hellebuyck moved as quickly as possible. Making an example of him doesn’t improve the roster. However, Cheveldayoff isn’t rushing into anything. He’s known for his patience when making moves involving notable players.

The Hurricanes could be a landing spot if Tulsky considers Hellebuyck an upgrade over their current tandem of Pyotr Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi. Like Cheveldayoff, however, Tulsky will also be patient in assessing his goalies before making any forays into the trade market.

Speaking of the Hurricanes…

LeBrun wondered if Alexander Nikishin might be part of a deal if the Hurricanes pursued Hellebuyck.

The 24-year-old defenseman is an unsigned restricted free agent who has requested a trade. Because he’s not under contract, he’s unable to participate in training camp.

LeBrun believes Nikishin’s contract status could be a fly in the ointment if it means the Jets would be inheriting the same issue Carolina has about whether he’ll sign with them.

PHILADELPHIA HOCKEY NOW: William James recently noted the reveal of Nikishin’s trade request. He examined whether it would be worthwhile for the Flyers to trade for him, suggesting he’d be worth considering if they could sign him to a long-term contract.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The uncertainty over what Nikishin wants on his next contract is the big sticking point. Most teams would love to acquire a young blueliner with a promising 33-point rookie performance and a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, but the cost in both contract and return to the Hurricanes could keep him on the sidelines for a while.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith report Quinn Hughes is in no rush to get an extension done with the Minnesota Wild.

Hughes denied the delay had anything to do with his long-rumored desire to join his brothers Jack and Luke with the New Jersey Devils. He acknowledged the elephant in the room, but cited his brother Jack, who said Quinn wouldn’t sacrifice a great spot for him to play just to reunite with his brothers.

The 26-year-old defenseman is UFA-eligible next July. Contract talks with Wild GM Bill Guerin have been ongoing but have yet to get substantive. Hughes said he’s not feeling stressed about getting a deal done before the regular season begins. He’s really happy with the Wild, saying he loved the team and the players.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Wild and Hughes have until noon ET on July 1, 2027, to get a deal done. Still, the longer he goes without a contract, the more speculation he’ll face about his future in Minnesota.