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Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets appears increasingly uncertain as trade speculation continues to grow across the NHL. All of it started with Hellebuyck’s end of the season comment, as he labeled the Jets’ 2025-26 season as “unacceptable.”
Winnipeg Free Press reporter Mike McIntyre believes the veteran goaltender is almost certain to leave the organization before long. While no deal is complete, several offseason moves have strengthened that belief.
“I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded,” McIntyre wrote in his Winnipeg Free Press column. “In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 percent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom.”
MORE: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck ‘100%’ willing to join Sabres
McIntyre pointed to the Jets’ recent decisions as clear signs of a changing direction. “Still, the writing is on the wall here in Winnipeg. Hellebuyck is (almost certainly) moving on,” he wrote. He added that Winnipeg allowed Eric Comrie to leave for San Jose before signing Stuart Skinner to a two-year, $7.5 million contract.
According to McIntyre, Skinner’s arrival gives Winnipeg an experienced starter while preparing for life after Hellebuyck. The move also suggests general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is positioning the roster for a major transition.
Dallas, Texas, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a glove save on a Dallas Stars shot during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Hellebuyck has not publicly requested a trade, but reports continue linking him to teams with stronger Stanley Cup hopes. Buffalo remains a leading possibility after discussions reportedly came close before the 2026 NHL Draft. However, negotiations stalled because Winnipeg sought Buffalo’s fourth overall pick without moving its own top-10 selection.
Cheveldayoff reportedly wants a significant return that includes a second-line center, a second-line winger, and a premium prospect or young goaltender. That asking price reflects Hellebuyck’s value despite a difficult 2025-26 season.
The 33-year-old finished with a 23-23-11 record, an .895 save percentage, and a 2.86 goals-against average. He also failed to record a shutout for the first time in his NHL career as Winnipeg struggled defensively.
Meanwhile, his Olympic performance told a different story. Hellebuyck led Team USA to the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal, stopping 41 of 42 shots in a 2-1 overtime win over Canada. He finished with the tournament’s best save percentage (.956) and earned Goaltender of the Tournament honors.
McIntyre still sees Buffalo as the best fit but believes San Jose has become a serious contender. “I still believe Buffalo is the most logical landing spot, but I also keep coming back to San Jose as a suitable destination,” he wrote. “They are my two favourites, with Carolina a distant third.”
MORE: Craig Berube says he shouldn’t have ‘appeased’ Maple Leafs players
Winnipeg now faces a critical choice. Holding Hellebuyck could preserve elite goaltending, but moving him for multiple impact pieces may better support a roster entering its next competitive phase.
Continue reading...
Winnipeg Free Press reporter Mike McIntyre believes the veteran goaltender is almost certain to leave the organization before long. While no deal is complete, several offseason moves have strengthened that belief.
“I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded,” McIntyre wrote in his Winnipeg Free Press column. “In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 percent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom.”
MORE: Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck ‘100%’ willing to join Sabres
McIntyre pointed to the Jets’ recent decisions as clear signs of a changing direction. “Still, the writing is on the wall here in Winnipeg. Hellebuyck is (almost certainly) moving on,” he wrote. He added that Winnipeg allowed Eric Comrie to leave for San Jose before signing Stuart Skinner to a two-year, $7.5 million contract.
According to McIntyre, Skinner’s arrival gives Winnipeg an experienced starter while preparing for life after Hellebuyck. The move also suggests general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is positioning the roster for a major transition.
Jets face difficult balancing act in Connor Hellebuyck trade talks
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Dallas, Texas, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a glove save on a Dallas Stars shot during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Hellebuyck has not publicly requested a trade, but reports continue linking him to teams with stronger Stanley Cup hopes. Buffalo remains a leading possibility after discussions reportedly came close before the 2026 NHL Draft. However, negotiations stalled because Winnipeg sought Buffalo’s fourth overall pick without moving its own top-10 selection.
Cheveldayoff reportedly wants a significant return that includes a second-line center, a second-line winger, and a premium prospect or young goaltender. That asking price reflects Hellebuyck’s value despite a difficult 2025-26 season.
The 33-year-old finished with a 23-23-11 record, an .895 save percentage, and a 2.86 goals-against average. He also failed to record a shutout for the first time in his NHL career as Winnipeg struggled defensively.
Meanwhile, his Olympic performance told a different story. Hellebuyck led Team USA to the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal, stopping 41 of 42 shots in a 2-1 overtime win over Canada. He finished with the tournament’s best save percentage (.956) and earned Goaltender of the Tournament honors.
McIntyre still sees Buffalo as the best fit but believes San Jose has become a serious contender. “I still believe Buffalo is the most logical landing spot, but I also keep coming back to San Jose as a suitable destination,” he wrote. “They are my two favourites, with Carolina a distant third.”
MORE: Craig Berube says he shouldn’t have ‘appeased’ Maple Leafs players
Winnipeg now faces a critical choice. Holding Hellebuyck could preserve elite goaltending, but moving him for multiple impact pieces may better support a roster entering its next competitive phase.
Continue reading...
