Trade speculation surrounding three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck has reached another level, with growing questions about whether the star goaltender will still be in Winnipeg when the 2026-27 season begins.
Connor Hellebuyck’s Winnipeg Exit Feels Inevitable
The Jets missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, while Hellebuyck endured the worst statistical season of his career, posting a .895 save percentage in 57 games, his first season below .900. He later called the franchise’s direction “unacceptable,” fueling speculation that major changes could be coming in Winnipeg.
The Jets later added goaltending depth by signing Stuart Skinner to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. While Winnipeg says the move was made to strengthen its crease, Skinner could also give the team more flexibility if they decide to trade Hellebuyck.
No deal has materialized yet, but GM Kevin Cheveldayoff remains open to listening to offers. As a result, Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg remains uncertain, with NHL insider Michael Amato saying his return next season is anything but certain.
“It’s still far from a guarantee Hellebuyck is a Jet next season, although the importance of getting the most out of him can’t be overstated should he return. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner saw his numbers dip last season, partially because of the team in front of him and possibly because he’s logged a lot of miles in recent years,” Amato said.
That leaves Winnipeg with a difficult decision. Hellebuyck remains an elite goaltender, but the Jets must determine whether keeping him is the best move for a team that appears to be entering a transitional period.
If Winnipeg does decide to move Hellebuyck, there should be plenty of interest around the league.
Buffalo has been one of the teams most heavily linked to Hellebuyck. The Sabres have the young talent and salary-cap flexibility to make a major move for an elite starting goaltender.
The Hurricanes also make plenty of sense as a potential destination. Carolina has been a perennial Stanley Cup contender and plays in front of one of the league’s strongest defensive teams. Adding a goaltender of Hellebuyck’s caliber could give the Hurricanes the stability they need in the crease.
Utah and Detroit could also emerge as potential suitors. Both teams have the cap flexibility to make a major addition, and acquiring a proven star goaltender could help accelerate their push toward playoff contention.
The Jets are under no contractual pressure to trade Hellebuyck. They could keep him and hope that a bounce-back season changes the narrative surrounding both the goaltender and the team.
However, his frustration with the direction of the franchise, Winnipeg’s decision to add Skinner, and Cheveldayoff’s willingness to listen to trade offers have all kept the speculation alive.
For now, Hellebuyck remains a member of the Winnipeg Jets.
ALSO READ: Insider Raises ‘Weird’ Red Flag as Talks Around Connor Hellebuyck Trade Grind To a Halt
But with training camp approaching, the possibility of a blockbuster trade is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.
