One team still wants Connor Hellebuyck after trade talks previously collapsed
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Buffalo still wants Connor Hellebuyck, but talks with Winnipeg stalled over the Jets' eighth overall pick just before the 2026 NHL draft.
The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga is still very much alive heading into training camp, and Buffalo remains firmly in the mix.
Speaking on Sekeres and Price, insider David Pagnotta said the Sabres would still love to get a deal across the finish line, but talks fell apart roughly two to three hours before the opening round of the 2026 draft and neither side has managed to pivot toward something that actually works for both.
Where the picks got in the way
According to NHL Rumour Report, Buffalo was prepared to send the fourth overall pick to Winnipeg as part of the package, a selection that ultimately turned into Daxon Rudolph.
Things got complicated when Buffalo asked for Winnipeg's eighth overall pick to come back the other way as part of the same deal.
That request reportedly became the sticking point that sank the whole thing before the first round even opened.
David Pagnotta: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade request: "I still think that Buffalo would love to make this happen; talks were cut off about 2, 3 hours before the draft; they haven't really been able to pivot in a direction that makes sense for both sides."
NHLRR: Buffalo was willing to give Winnipeg 4th overall, but requested Winnipeg give their 8th overall back as part of the deal."
NHLRR: Buffalo was willing to give Winnipeg 4th overall, but requested Winnipeg give their 8th overall back as part of the deal."
Hellebuyck has since made his frustration public, confirming through his agent that he privately requested a trade months ago and wanted the situation resolved before camp opens.
Where things stand now
With training camp approaching fast, both sides are running out of runway.
Winnipeg has reportedly leaned toward wanting NHL ready help rather than picks and prospects, which makes reviving the exact framework from June unlikely.
Buffalo still has the assets to get creative, but until someone blinks on the draft capital question, this one stays parked in limbo.
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