The rumor mill surrounding Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been in overdrive in recent weeks, making him one of the biggest names to watch this offseason.
Now, a new report has identified at least one team that has already expressed interest in acquiring the star netminder.
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Much of the speculation began after Hellebuyck’s candid comments at the end of the season following another disappointing playoff exit for Winnipeg. While he made it clear that he enjoys playing for the Jets, he also acknowledged the challenges the organization faces in attracting top talent and building a consistent Stanley Cup contender.
Those remarks led many around the league to wonder whether Hellebuyck could eventually seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
The 33-year-old is coming off a season that fell below his usual standards, posting an .895 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average in 57 games. After helping Team USA capture Olympic gold earlier in the year, questions about his long-term future in Winnipeg only intensified.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently shed more light on the situation. “It is clear he wants to chase a Stanley Cup. He wanted to do so with the Jets, but after a rough season for everyone, his tune started to change,” Pagnotta said.
Pagnotta also addressed recent trade speculation, noting that former NHL player Matt Murley reported on the Game Notes podcast that Hellebuyck had requested a trade. Although Pagnotta said that claim could not be independently confirmed, he added that discussions around the league have suggested Hellebuyck may be open to a move if the right opportunity presents itself.
One team that has already made an inquiry is the Florida Panthers. “The Florida Panthers were a team that reached out about Hellebuyck last month, and according to Murley, they’re still in the mix now,” Pagnotta said.
The connection makes sense. Veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is approaching free agency, contract talks have stalled, and Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has a long history with Hellebuyck from their time together in Winnipeg.
If discussions become serious, a potential trade package could include Florida’s No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with young players such as Mackie Samoskevich or Jack Devine.
Even with the growing speculation, Pagnotta emphasized that Winnipeg is not actively trying to move its franchise goaltender. “The Jets are not actively shopping Hellebuyck and do not want to move him, by every indication I’ve been given, but if the netminder wants out, Winnipeg will have to navigate the trade waters,” he added.
Any trade would depend entirely on Hellebuyck, since he has five years left on his deal at an $8.5 million AAV and holds a full no-movement clause. That means he has complete control. If he doesn’t want to leave Winnipeg or doesn’t approve a destination, no deal can happen.
