A recent trend in the NHL has seen teams testing goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s skills by having him face shots from players kicking tires, a drill designed to evaluate his reflexes and reaction time under pressure. The San Jose Sharks have joined others in conducting this assessment, raising questions about whether they are genuinely evaluating him as a potential addition or simply exploring options. The unconventional method has sparked debate among analysts, who weigh whether such drills accurately reflect a goaltender’s performance in game situations. With Hellebuyck’s reputation as a reliable starter, the Sharks’ interest—if genuine—could signal a shift in their goaltending strategy.

The San Jose Sharks are one of the teams to have kicked tires on Winnipeg Jets Connor Hellebuyck. Does it make sense for them to be interested?