The market for elite goaltenders has stayed unusually active, and Connor Hellebuyck is drawing the most attention across the league. Buffalo has spent months trying to position itself as the frontrunner, yet the deal remains out of reach because Winnipeg refuses to lower its demands.
This standoff has created an opening for another Eastern Conference contender to enter the conversation, adding a new layer of intrigue to the arms race out East. With talks still alive, one NHL insider believes the Sabres may no longer be alone in chasing the Jets’ franchise cornerstone.
Chris Johnston Names Sabres’ Biggest Rival for Connor Hellebuyck
On The Chris Johnston Show, NHL insider Chris Johnston offered a measured update on Hellebuyck’s uncertain future, emphasizing that Winnipeg still holds all the leverage despite continued trade discussions.
When asked whether Hellebuyck would open next season with the Jets, Johnston didn’t offer a firm prediction.
“That one I don’t know. I’m not sure,” he admitted, explaining that moving a player of Hellebuyck’s stature is far more complicated than a typical goalie trade. “This is more than just a goaltender to the Winnipeg Jets. This is their franchise player… a guy who’s going to have his jersey retired, a guy who’s going to the Hockey Hall of Fame one day.”
This reputation, Johnston explained, is exactly why Winnipeg continues to maintain an aggressive asking price. “The Jets really can’t lose the trade either, but goalies don’t tend to bring back great value,” he said.
Instead of simply collecting futures, the Jets are seeking an immediate roster upgrade, particularly a top-six center to address a need they have been trying to fill “for years and years.”
Buffalo remains the team most heavily linked to Hellebuyck after making a serious push before the NHL Draft. Discussions originally centered around a package featuring Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Jack Quinn, and the No. 4 overall pick before negotiations unraveled over additional draft compensation.
Since then, the framework has shifted toward other assets. Johnston believes the Sabres haven’t abandoned their pursuit despite the setback.
“Buffalo made a clear attempt to get Hellebuyck at the draft. I could still see a world where they put some version of that trade back together,” he said. Even so, he stopped short of predicting an imminent agreement, adding, “Whether it happens this summer or not, I’m not entirely sure.”
The insider also revealed that Buffalo’s pursuit isn’t happening without competition. “I know that the Hurricanes have also called at points about Hellebuyck,” Johnston said.
While he questioned whether Carolina possesses the cleanest trade fit, the Hurricanes’ interest means the Sabres are no longer operating without pressure from another contender.
The former Vezina Trophy winner carries an $8.5 million annual cap hit through the 2030-31 season and owns a full no-movement clause in the upcoming season, although reports indicate he is willing to waive it for Buffalo. Even with sufficient cap flexibility, the Sabres would need to move salary to complete a deal while staying financially balanced.
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For now, Johnston believes Winnipeg is prepared to remain patient.
“It’s got to be the right return, and that hasn’t been on the table or anywhere close to it at this stage,” he said.
Until that price is met, Buffalo and Carolina may both be left waiting for the NHL’s biggest goaltending domino to fall.
