Connor Hellebuyck’s future remains one of the NHL’s biggest unanswered questions this offseason, and the list of interested teams is slowly growing. While several contenders believe they have a legitimate shot at acquiring the star goaltender, Winnipeg has shown no signs of lowering its asking price.
This patience has created a fascinating battle behind the scenes, with some familiar contenders now facing fresh competition. As the market evolves, one Jets insider believes the list of potential suitors has started to become clearer.
Insider Ranks Hurricanes Third in Connor Hellebuyck Trade Race
The Carolina Hurricanes have been heavily linked to Hellebuyck for weeks, but a new assessment from Winnipeg suggests they are not viewed as the favorites to land him.
Carolina has reportedly made an aggressive push by offering defenseman Alexander Nikishin and a first-round pick, while NHL insiders have indicated that prospect Bradly Nadeau could also become part of negotiations if Winnipeg demands additional value.
Financially, the Hurricanes are well-positioned to absorb Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million annual cap hit, and the fit makes sense after Frederik Andersen’s departure left Carolina searching for a long-term No. 1 goaltender.
The mutual interest has only strengthened the speculation. Elliotte Friedman reported that Hellebuyck is interested in joining the reigning Stanley Cup champions, making Carolina one of the few destinations that checks both the competitive and financial boxes.
However, Jets insider Mike McIntyre believes two other teams currently have a clearer path to completing a deal.
“I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded. In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 percent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom,” McIntyre wrote in his On Sports newsletter this week.
He also explained why Winnipeg is comfortable waiting instead of rushing into a blockbuster.
“Kevin Cheveldayoff is right to push for the best return. After all, three-time Vezina Trophy winners who also have a Hart Trophy on their mantle AND a very reasonable contract with term don’t grow on trees. And he is under contract for five more years, so the Jets can afford to be rather patient here.”
But McIntyre’s most notable observation, though, centered on the trade race itself.
“I still believe Buffalo is the most logical landing spot, but I also keep coming back to San Jose as a suitable destination… They are my two favourites, with Carolina a distant third.”
Buffalo’s advantage lies in the type of return it can offer.
The Sabres have discussed packages centered around starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, winger Jack Quinn, and a 2027 first-round pick. This combination gives Winnipeg an immediate replacement in net while strengthening its roster elsewhere.
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Carolina remains firmly in the conversation, but if McIntyre’s assessment proves accurate, Buffalo and the emerging Sharks have moved ahead in a trade race that appears far from over.
