Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets remains one of the NHL’s biggest unresolved offseason stories.
The star goaltender is under contract through 2030-31 at an $8.5 million annual cap hit and holds a no-movement clause. Hellebuyck, however, has not formally requested a trade, but reports indicate he would approve a move to the Buffalo Sabres.
According to The Athletic's Murat Ates, Buffalo and Winnipeg nearly completed a deal around the NHL Draft. The Sabres offered goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, forward Jack Quinn and the No. 4 overall pick, which they later used on defenseman Daxon Rudolph.
Although the Jets declined and the first attempt collapsed, that has not ended the conversations of a potential Hellebuyck trade.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported on July 2 that the Jets and the Sabres resumed trade discussions shortly after the draft.
“The talks between Buffalo and Winnipeg continued after the draft; they kinda got back to it (two days after),” Pagnotta said. “Is there a pathway? (Sabres defenseman) Radim Mrtka’s name started to pop up.”
Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre believes the process will eventually result in Hellebuyck leaving the Jets.
“I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded,” McIntyre wrote. “In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 per cent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom.”
McIntyre pointed to Winnipeg’s decision to sign Stuart Skinner after Eric Comrie left for San Jose as another indication that change could be coming in goal.
“The writing is on the wall here in Winnipeg,” McIntyre wrote. “Hellebuyck is (almost certainly) moving on. That became apparent on July 1 when the Jets did not re-sign his personal security blanket, Eric Comrie, allowing him to pursue a new opportunity in San Jose.
“And it became crystal clear when the Jets did sign Stuart Skinner — a guy who has made at least 50 starts every year of his NHL career — to a two-year US$7.50 million contract ($3.75 million per season).”
Hellebuyck went 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average last season while helping the United States win Olympic gold in February.
