Four teams are watching Connor Hellebuyck as Jets face trade dilemma
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Connor Hellebuyck is still a Jet, and Buffalo, Utah, San Jose and Carolina are all watching as Winnipeg is pushed toward prospects.
Connor Hellebuyck's standoff with the Winnipeg Jets is nowhere close to over, and the list of interested teams keeps growing.
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reported that the Buffalo Sabres, Utah Mammoth and San Jose Sharks continue to monitor the situation.
The wrinkle is that several clubs are trying to steer the Jets away from roster players and toward their blue-chip prospects instead.
That's a tough sell for a team that wants help right now.
The Carolina Hurricanes can be added to the mix as another team keeping tabs.
Nick Kypreos: "Teams like Buffalo, Utah and San Jose continue to monitor the Connor Hellebuyck situation as multiple teams try and convince the Jets to focus on acquiring their blue-chip prospects instead of roster players."
NHLRR: "The Hurricanes can be added to the mix as a team keeping tabs."
NHLRR: "The Hurricanes can be added to the mix as a team keeping tabs."
Why a deal has stalled
Hellebuyck is 33, and Kypreos passed along an NHL executive's view that matching his current and future value is a challenge.
He's a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2025 Hart Trophy winner, but last season was a down one by his standards.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff appears to be holding firm on his demands.
Elliotte Friedman also said Winnipeg and San Jose have discussed a deal, though he noted Hellebuyck may not view the Sharks as a win-now situation.
San Jose also has just over $3.3 million in cap space, per PuckPedia, which could complicate things.
Buffalo has been linked the most.
The Sabres and Jets reportedly came close ahead of the draft in late June, but talks fizzled in the hours before the first round.
What happens next
Hellebuyck has not reported to camp and is suspended.
He's signed through 2031 at $8.5 million per year and holds a full no-movement clause, so he has real say in where he lands.
Winnipeg opens the 2026-27 season Oct. 2 against the Boston Bruins, with Stuart Skinner set to take over in net for now.
With the opener days away, the pressure is building on both sides.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Montreal Canadiens reportedly have a trade package for Kirill Marchenko
Montreal Canadiens reportedly have a trade package for Kirill Marchenko