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Former Winnipeg Jets fan favourite Nikolaj Ehlers continues to have a major impact on the Stanley Cup Final series between his Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights. Most Jets fans seem to be pulling for the Canes, specifically on Ehlers’ behalf. Carolina is one win away from the Cup. They have two chances, if need be, to win one game.
We are also just under two weeks away from the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. There should be plenty of action between now and the end of the first round of the draft.
Hellebuyck Trade?
Dylan Larkin, the top line centre of the Detroit Red Wings has asked for a trade out of Detroit. There are also rumours — but no confirmation so far — that Connor Hellebuyck has asked for a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. Allegedly, the Florida Panthers are his preferred destination. This
request, if true, comes as no surprise as Hellebuyck was very blunt in his year-end media session when he expressed that he was not happy with how the 2025-2026 went for the Jets.
If Hellebuyck does indeed want out and Florida is his preferred destination, I believe it is in the best interest of Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to at least engage in talks with Florida as they may be able to put together an enticing trade package. A package that may look as follows:
To Florida: Connor Hellebuyck
To Winnipeg: Anton Lundell + 9 th overall pick (2026 draft)
This package, theoretically, would allow the Jets to plug and play a second line centre who has already won two Stanley Cups, is only 24 years old and is signed for four more years at a moderat cap hit ($5 million per year). Adding the ninth overall pick to the eighth overall pick they already own, the Jets can add two more foundation players to their future, who should be able to contribute to the line-up sooner rather than later.
The loss of a goaltender with all the accolades that Hellebuyck holds would sting. He hasn’t won the Vezina, the Hart Trophy and Olympic gold for nothing. However, the loss would sting less if one looks at Hellebuyck’s playoff statistics. In the playoffs, his GAA has been 2.90 and his save % has been 0.903. That is replaceable.
Moreover, the likes of Carter Hart, Freddie Anderson and Brandon Bussi have all won games in the Stanley Cup Finals. One has to wonder if a goalie the calibre of Hellebuyck is absolutely vital to reaching the brink of hockey’s ultimate prize.
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Tagged: Connor Hellebuyck, nhl, Winnipeg Jets