Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumors Heat Up

Buffalo’s Long Wait Ends with a Request

The Sabres finally snapped a long playoff drought last season after years of struggling to attract marquee free agents. A recent report from David Pagnotta revealed that Connor Hellebuyck would like to play in Buffalo. Buffalo’s turnaround makes his interest a welcome development for a franchise that has been rebuilding.

Hellebuyck’s desire to join the Sabres adds a new layer to Buffalo’s quest to become a contender. After the recent success, the organization sees a chance to pair a star goaltender with its emerging core. The move could signal a shift in the league’s power balance, especially if the Sabres continue to improve.

Winnipeg’s Current Strength Spreads Doubt

The Jets finished the previous season atop the Central Division, winning the Presidents’ Trophy and beating rivals such as the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild. If Winnipeg can replicate that level of play, the team could once again be in the mix for the Stanley Cup. Kyle Connor’s eight‑year, $12 million average annual value contract begins this season, giving the club another cornerstone alongside any goaltender it retains.

Winnipeg’s depth and recent success make a trade for Hellebuyck less appealing at the moment. The Jets are not forced to move him, especially with a solid contract that runs for several more years. Their current roster construction suggests they see a path to contention without immediate changes.

Hellebuyck’s Performance and Contract Context

Last season marked a dip for Hellebuyck, who posted a .895 save percentage—below the NHL average of .900—and a 2.86 goals‑against average, his highest in four seasons. For a team that leans heavily on its netminder, those numbers fell short of expectations. The 33‑year‑old may have been exhausted after a deep playoff run and an Olympic year, contributing to the decline.

He is only in the third year of a seven‑year deal, so Winnipeg feels no pressure to trade him for future assets. The contract structure gives the Jets flexibility to keep him while evaluating his future performance. Should his play rebound, the Jets might keep him as the baseline of their goaltending group.

Potential Goalie Depth and Competition

Winnipeg plans to add Stuart Skinner to the mix, giving the club depth and healthy rivalry for the starting role. Skinner, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in a trade for Tristan Jarry, has experienced ups and downs since moving to the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. A full season with one club could help him regain confidence and push Hellebuyck back toward Vezina‑worthy numbers.

Having two goaltenders under contract, the Jets can afford to let competition dictate who starts. If both performers rise, the team’s goaltending stability improves without sacrificing assets. This approach also keeps the door open for other roster moves if needed.

Rumored Trade Packages at the Draft

During the NHL Draft, Buffalo reportedly offered the 2026 fourth overall pick (Daxon Rudolph), goaltender Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen and forward Jack Quinn in exchange for Hellebuyck, but Winnipeg passed on the deal. The Sabres still control their next three first‑round selections, which could fall deep in future drafts if the team continues to climb. One or two late first‑round picks likely won’t match the value Buffalo already presented.

Additionally, prospects Noah Östlund and Konsta Helenius remain off limits for Buffalo’s side. Both are viewed as key pieces for the Sabres’ future and could provide valuable scoring down the line. Hellebuyck’s current no‑trade clause further limits Winnipeg’s ability to act, though that protection will shift next season.

No‑Trade Clause Shifts Next Season

Starting next season, Hellebuyck’s no‑trade protection expands to a 10‑team list, giving general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff authority over a much broader pool of potential trade partners. This change will give Winnipeg considerably more leverage in any future negotiations. It also means that if the Jets decide to move him, they will have many more options to consider.

The updated clause could accelerate a deal if the Jets decide they need to shake up the lineup. However, the team will likely wait to see how the upcoming season unfolds before making any drastic moves.

What Lies Ahead for the Jets and Sabres

Most analysts expect Hellebuyck to stay with Winnipeg for the coming season if the Jets return to the form that produced the Presidents’ Trophy. Should the Jets falter, next offseason emerges as a more plausible window for a trade, especially with the new 10‑team list in place. Even with two goalies under contract, moving Hellebuyck would require either promoting another prospect or adding a veteran netminder.

The Central Division remains a tougher challenge, with Colorado, Dallas and Minnesota all expected to contend again. Winnipeg must navigate that environment while deciding whether to keep its current goaltending tandem or pursue additional help. The Sabres, meanwhile, will watch the situation closely, hoping to capitalize on any openings that arise.