Kevin Cheveldayoff reportedly said no to major Sabres ask in Connor Hellebuyck trade talks

Kevin Cheveldayoff turned down a chance to move up in this year's draft during Connor Hellebuyck trade talks, according to insider chatter that resurfaced this week.

The Winnipeg Jets general manager reportedly rejected a Buffalo offer that would have sent the Sabres 4th overall pick to Winnipeg in exchange for the Jets own 8th overall selection as part of a broader package built around the star goaltender.

The report comes from OverDrive1050 on X, who wrote that Buffalo wanted Winnipeg's 8th overall pick in exchange for its 4th overall selection and that Cheveldayoff simply said no.

It lines up with earlier reporting that the Sabres were prepared to include goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, forward Jack Quinn and a first round pick in any deal for Hellebuyck before the 2026 draft, though the two sides could never bridge the gap.

Winnipeg has leaned on the draft for years to build its core, and Cheveldayoff has never been eager to part with the Jets own first round capital, even for a swap that looks like an upgrade on paper.

Hellebuyck is not an expiring rental either.

He is signed through the 2030-31 season at $8.5 million a year and currently holds a full no-movement clause, which gives Winnipeg every reason to hold out for the right combination of futures instead of surrendering its own pick.

Protecting that selection mattered more than simply climbing four spots.

Hockey personality Martin Biron argued that Winnipeg may have overplayed its hand by holding out before the draft, suggesting Buffalo could walk away entirely if the asking price never comes down.

Hellebuyck has since confirmed through agent Ray Petkau that he privately requested a trade months ago, adding fresh urgency to the situation.

Buffalo still needs a difference maker in net, and it remains one of the few destinations Hellebuyck would reportedly waive his no-movement clause to join.

Whether Cheveldayoff eventually bends on Winnipeg's own draft capital could decide if a deal finally comes together before puck drop.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Connor Hellebuyck reveals his preferred trade destinations to the Jets