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The Winnipeg Jets find themselves in a bind. Superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade late last week. He already had full no-trade protection for one more season. Consequently, he could nix a trade anywhere he didn’t want to go.
Meanwhile, the trade demand further puts the Jets in a position of weakness. Other teams, knowing the player can handpick his next destination, face limited (if any) competing offers. The eventual trade return further reduces. Winnipeg waited too long.
That said, there are a handful of teams that likely would offer something of value even if it’s not maximum value. Assuming Hellebuyck would accept one of these destinations, here three that make sense from a hockey trade standpoint.
Buffalo Sabres
I still believe Buffalo Sabres is the perfect trade partner. They just made the playoffs after a very long absence from the postseason. The Sabres have multiple goaltenders under contract for next season. One would be part of the trade.
The Sabres also have a plethora of young players/prospects that could be included in an enticing package. No, the Jets won’t get several but they can at least come away with one or two.
To Sabres: Connor Hellebuyck (G)
To Jets: Alex Lyon (G), Radim Mrtka (RD), Jack Quinn (RW), 2027 or 2028 1st round pick
Carolina Hurricanes
What could be a better way to begin your title defence than by adding a 3-time Vezina Trophy and former Hart Trophy winning goaltender to your team? The defending Stanley Cup champions have also been rumored to be interested in Hellebuyck. Brandon Bussi, once he got the nod in the playoffs, helped deliver the championship. So the Canes may just stand pat.
However, Hellebuyck is still the more decorated and accomplished goalie. He has the more proven track record. That carries weight even with Carolina coming off the Cup championship.
To Hurricanes: Connor Hellebuyck (G)
To Jets: Brandon Bussi (G), Alex Nikishin (LD), Bradley Nadeau (LW), 2027 or 2028 1st round pick
Other possibilities
If Hellebuyck is indeed willing to approve a trade to Buffalo, I can’t see any other team offering a better package than what the Sabres can offer Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. Other teams that may be interested in Hellebuyck’s services include the San Jose Sharks, New Jersey
Devils and the Utah Mammoth.
Of course, in every case, it comes back to the same question: would Hellebuyck accept it? I could see NHL owners, in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, pushing for removal of no-trade propection for full NTC/NMC players who request a trade.
Neverthless, in 2026, that’s not the reality.
Home › Forums › Jets: 5 Potential Hellebuyck Destinations
Tagged: Connor Hellebuyck, nhl, Winnipeg Jets