This certainly makes it sound very likely.
He was not my first choice, and I was initially a bit disappointed when Chevy passed on other options at the Expansion Draft and after, but as I've educated myself more about Elliott, I am feeling better about it. He seems to be a really good fit -- experienced, a mentor, team player, and thrives in a platoon situation which is all of what we need.
I really liked the idea of Raanta, but if we assume Jets' management is right to retain faith in Hellebuyck I think Elliott is a better pick as he's more of a mentor who will help transition Helle to being full-time starter versus Raanta who would be more of a battle for starter type situation. A lot of the top options were just not reasonable. Sadly, there was no chance of a Bishop or Schneider coming here. So living in the real world I really can't argue with Chevy's choice if he is indeed going with Elliott.
I agree with just about everything you're saying, but the bolded is your imagination. You have no idea what deals Chevy did or didn't try to make and what he did or didn't offer to make those deals work. None of us do and until Chevy gets fired, re-hired, re-fired and retired, then writes a book, chances are none of us will know what did or didn't or almost happened.
I'm excited to a point about Elliot. He's had a few absolutely stellar seasons. He's stunk it up here and there, too, but overall I think he's a big upgrade in terms of veteran talent, and he brings a lot of experience that I think Helley can benefit from. As long as the term/cash aren't too much, I'll be really good with this signing.
Ideally 2x2.25, but I'd live with anything under 3x4. Overpayment for sure, but we NEED a goalie, many of the guys that should have been higher on TNSE's list are gone already (Raanta, Darling, Bishop) and Winnipeg is a place that may need to pay a little extra to entice the UFAs that they're after. I could live with overpayment within reason.