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Elliotte Friedman reveals the Florida Panthers' trade offer for Connor Hellebuyck


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Alexander Cole
September 19, 2026  (1:21 PM)
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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) warms up before a game against the Seattle Kraken at Canada Life Centre.
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

The Florida Panthers were serious about landing Connor Hellebuyck, and the details of their pursuit are now public.

Elliotte Friedman outlined the proposal on his 32 Thoughts podcast, shedding light on a trade market that has stayed murky since the Winnipeg Jets goaltender asked out.
Friedman described the package this way:
I believe their offer was Evan Rodrigues, the picks that went to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk trade [9th & 25th overall 2026], and one roster player, not Anton Lundell.

What Florida Was Willing to Pay

Put simply, the Panthers were ready to part with a forward, two first-round selections, and another NHL skater. Keeping Lundell out of the mix is the most telling detail.
Friedman's wording was cautious too, which suggests this reflects his best understanding of the talks rather than a confirmed term sheet.
The timing explains why the bid went nowhere. Florida was preparing for life without Sergei Bobrovsky, who later signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and wanted a proven number one.
The Panthers ultimately acquired Jacob Markstrom instead, sending Rodrigues to the New Jersey Devils in the process. Meanwhile, the draft picks were flipped to Ottawa in the deal for Tkachuk.

Why Winnipeg's Task Is Harder Now

With those assets scattered, Florida's offer is more of a snapshot than a live option. The Jets have suspended Hellebuyck for failing to report to camp, and Winnipeg reportedly wants a goaltender back in any deal.
Friedman also pointed out that no-trade lists reset on July 1, so some players who might have headed to Winnipeg could have added the Jets to their lists.
Hellebuyck's contract carries an $8.5 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season, so any suitor also needs the salary space to absorb him.
The Panthers already showed they were willing to pay heavily, which sets a high bar for the next team that steps forward.
For now, that failed proposal offers the clearest public glimpse of what a Hellebuyck deal might cost, and Winnipeg still said no, a reminder of how steep the asking price has become.
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Elliotte Friedman reveals the Florida Panthers' trade offer for Connor Hellebuyck

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