Whether Connor Hellebuyck has officially requested a trade or not, it’s become rather clear that he’d like to be moved elsewhere rather than remain with the Winnipeg Jets.
Despite that, we’re now approaching mid-August and talk about a Hellebuyck deal has been very quiet. So what’s going to happen with the three-time Vezina Trophy winner?
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman admitted it’s been quiet and that nothing is imminent, however, he still believes Hellebuyck gets traded, perhaps once we get closer to training camp.
“I hear it’s quiet. I’m with you, I still think he gets moved at some point in time but I think right now like I asked around today and I’ll be honest I didn’t get a lot. I was just told quiet quiet and it could be one of those things that picks up closer to training camp,”
The 33-year-old Hellebuyck has five years remaining on the seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension he signed with the Jets in 2023. He went 23-23-11 while posting a 2.86 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage across 57 starts last season.
Winnipeg was holding out hope that time might sway Hellebuyck to stay, though that doesn’t appear to have done the trick. The Jets did sign Stuart Skinner in free agency, so they have an insurance plan should a trade come to fruition in the coming months.
Buffalo remains the obvious top landing spot, while Carolina, New Jersey, Anaheim, Los Angeles and even Colorado could make sense as other options for the superstar netminder.
Like with Dylan Larkin and others, the dog days of the NHL offseason have quieted down trade talks. That, however, doesn’t mean a blockbuster won’t come together before the start of the 2026-27 season, and that especially appears to be the case with Hellebuyck.
Next: Red Sox Pursued a Plethora of Big Names Before the Trade Deadline
