Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets defends the net against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Jets 6-2. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) The Winnipeg Jets didn’t make one of the biggest deals of the offseason, but the Connor Hellebuyck chatter is still loud. The club, it’s been reported, is still open to moving its franchise goaltender if the right offer comes along before training camp.A rumored trade with the Buffalo Sabres has gone cold ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, but multiple insiders still have Buffalo as a potential landing spot. Both teams still have pieces to fill on their rosters, and the fact that there’s still a chance for another round of talks has kept this story as one of the top NHL trade rumors this summer.
Connor Hellebuyck NHL trade talks with Buffalo Sabres continue
That has kept Connor Hellebuyck tied to the club, as the Buffalo Sabres are still looking for a dependable No. 1 goalie who can help them return to playoff contention quicker.Sources say the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres talked about a blockbuster trade framework ahead of the NHL Draft. In the end, talks on the proposed return broke down, but league sources believe the deal could be revisited later in the offseason if both sides soften their positions.Winnipeg Jets could be interested in Buffalo’s young players and future assets. At the same time, adding an elite, Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender would instantly improve Buffalo’s chances of being competitive in the Eastern Conference.CategoryDetailsPlayerConnor HellebuyckCurrent TeamWinnipeg JetsPositionGoaltenderCatchesLeftHeight6 ft 4 in (193 cm)NationalityAmericanBirthplaceCommerce Township, Michigan, United StatesAgeBorn on May 19, 1993Contract ValueSeven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV), signed with the Winnipeg Jets.Contract StatusUnder contract through the 2030-31 NHL season with a full no-movement clause.Trade Rumor StatusDespite his long-term contract, Connor Hellebuyck continues to feature prominently in 2026 NHL trade rumors following reported discussions before the NHL Draft.Reported Trade PartnerBuffalo Sabres remain the most frequently linked destination if trade talks resume.Reported BlockbusterWinnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres reportedly discussed a blockbuster trade framework before the 2026 NHL Draft, but negotiations ultimately stalled.Main ObstacleThe two organizations reportedly failed to agree on an acceptable return package, preventing the trade from being completed.Winnipeg Jets’ PositionGeneral manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can remain patient because Hellebuyck is signed long term and the club is not under pressure to trade him.Buffalo Sabres’ NeedBuffalo continues searching for an elite No. 1 goaltender capable of accelerating the franchise’s return to Stanley Cup Playoff contention.Why Buffalo Is InterestedHellebuyck’s elite consistency, playoff experience and multiple Vezina Trophy wins would immediately upgrade the Sabres’ goaltending position.Recent Winnipeg MoveThe Jets added veteran goaltending depth after Eric Comrie’s departure, fueling speculation that the organization is preparing for multiple offseason scenarios.Career AchievementThree-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goaltender and widely regarded as one of hockey’s premier netminders.Playing StyleTechnically sound butterfly goaltender known for elite positioning, rebound control, composure and heavy workload capability.Potential OutcomeTrade discussions could be revived later this offseason if Winnipeg and Buffalo can agree on a revised package.League-Wide ImpactConnor Hellebuyck’s future remains one of the NHL’s biggest offseason storylines, with any trade likely to reshape both franchises’ competitive outlook.
Why could Winnipeg Jets revisit the blockbuster this offseason
The Winnipeg Jets are not in a hurry to make a deal with Connor Hellebuyck still under contract. That allows general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to wait for an offer that fits the organization expectations.But speculation has been fueled by Winnipeg’s offseason moves. The club added depth at goalie after the departure of Eric Comrie. Many around the league feel the Jets are preparing for anything if trade talks heat up before the regular season.
What could happen if negotiations resume
If talks resume, the biggest sticking point is likely to be the trade package. Buffalo will have to see how much of its young core it is willing to give up, while Winnipeg will want a return that acknowledges Connor Hellebuyck’s value as one of the NHL’s premier goalies.The blockbuster is not out of the question, just on hold for now, making this one of the most-watched NHL trade rumors of the offseason.