Connor Hellebuyck to the Sabres? Reported trade hinges on one key move

The Buffalo Sabres have reportedly found their goalie.

According to a report from 4am Media, Buffalo has finalized a deal with the Winnipeg Jets to acquire Connor Hellebuyck, the Olympic gold medalist and three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

Nothing is official yet.

The package heading to Winnipeg, per the report, includes forward Ryan McLeod, goaltender Alex Lyon, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick.

That is a modest return for a goalie of this caliber, at least on paper.

The report says one thing stands in the way.

Buffalo still has to move Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the New York Rangers, and that part of the plan has reportedly hit a standoff.

Luukkonen has the Jets on his five-team no-trade list, which is why a direct swap with Winnipeg stalled for months.

The Rangers are not believed to be on it.

They also have a real need in net, since Igor Shesterkin is out for the season with a knee injury.

Hellebuyck has been suspended by the Jets since September 17 after skipping training camp following his trade request.

That suspension is set to end Friday, so the clock is ticking.

He is reportedly willing to join Buffalo, and Utah has been mentioned as another suitor.

The Sabres are 4-3-2 and have allowed 34 goals through nine games.

Luukkonen has an .860 save percentage across seven appearances, and Colten Ellis sits at .864 without a win.

Hellebuyck is 33 and carries an $8.5 million cap hit, but he would give Lindy Ruff the stability the crease has badly lacked.

Keep an eye on the Rangers and Luukkonen over the next few days.

If that piece falls into place, this could become official fast. Until then, it's still only a report.

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