Insider reveals the Jets' very specific demand amid Connor Hellebuyck trade talks

According to Murat Ates of The Athletic on Oilers Now, the Jets have a long-standing need at second-line center.

If not a center, a right wing would also fit, but whichever forward comes back needs to be ready to contribute in the top six immediately, and that player would need to be the centerpiece of any deal.

Hellebuyck's trade request became public in late August, and with training camp opening September 16, pressure is mounting on general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to find a deal that fits Winnipeg's timeline.

The three-time Vezina Trophy winner has made clear he wants a fresh start after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the Jets miss the playoffs following their Presidents' Trophy campaign the year before.

Winnipeg's forward group took a hit when Nikolaj Ehlers left for Carolina, and the Jets have struggled to find a true second-line pivot to complement Mark Scheifele.

Ates' comments suggest Cheveldayoff views this trade as an opportunity to finally solve that problem rather than just collecting draft capital.

Reports have also indicated the Jets could look for a goaltender to help ease the transition in net, along with a prospect or first-round pick to round out the return.

Buffalo, Carolina, New Jersey, Utah, and San Jose have all been mentioned as possible destinations, though nothing appears close to finalized.

Trading Hellebuyck is certainly no easy task, especially when he has been such a franchise cornerstone in goal.

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