Welcome back to NHL Rumours and today is a special edition as we cut through the signing news to report on a trade potentially going down involving an American superstar. So, let’s get into it.
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NHL Rumours and Jets Goalie Connor Hellebuyck Could Be Traded
Rumour: There has been much talk lately surrounding the potential of the Winnipeg Jets moving Connor Hellebuyck, but we will narrow in on Darren Dreger’s comments from today. He is naming the Carolina Hurricanes as a contender to land the superstar goalie, while mentioning there is still a possibility he ends up with the Buffalo Sabres.
Analysis: It does seem like there is motivation for Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to move Hellebuyck. But there is nothing set in stone, plus, you know there is a big asking price.
It seems that the climate around the NHL has shifted somewhat, given the magnitude of some of the major trades we have seen over the past year, or so. Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild, Brady Tkachuk was sent to the Florida Panthers, and Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. Now more recently, it seems that Zach Werenski wants to move on from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Carolina remains a contender for Connor Hellebuyck, while it’s fair to wonder if Buffalo circles back. Nothing imminent with Hellebuyck. The Jets are focused on Free Agency today, but will engage if trade talks intensify.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026
Now, these decisions may seem random, but there is a common theme among the players. These are all guys from the 2026 Winter Olympic Gold Medal winning Team USA. Call it irony, but it has certainly caused a stir in the greater NHL community. It seems players want more control over where they play and who they play with. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can result in a lack of parody throughout the league. That, in the long run, could be bad for the league, or at least some of the less desirable locales.
Could the Jets Possibly Trade Hellebuyck?
But what it means for us today as part of our NHL Rumours, is that the Winnipeg Jets superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck could be traded out of Winnipeg. Moreover, there are a few reasons why this could be seen as a surprise, especially to Jet supporters. First of all, and this is an important part, is that Hellebuyck is only two years in on his current seven-year contract that ends in the summer of 2031. With both Hughes and Tkachuk being moved, it was a little more predictable as they were both within a year or two of needing a new contract. However, Hellebuyck signed his contract, knowing full well he was going to be a big part of the Jets organization for years to come.
But that all seems to have changed. It seems many of the top American players have come together and said enough is enough, and that they want their best representatives playing together all-year around, not just at the hyped international events.
The other side of this, that could be surprising to Jet fans, is that Hellebuyck even has some strong American connections right there in Winnipeg. Kyle Connor was a fellow Gold Medalist with Hellebuyck in February, and it seems, for the most part, he wants to stay around Winnipeg. Although, it is possible there is some contention over the fact that Connor wasn’t heavily utilized at the Olympics, appearing in only two American games. Who knows how things like that have affected relationships between players, or like Jason Robertson being left off the team altogether.
Also in terms of wanting to stick in Winnipeg, their captain, Adam Lowry is an American, so you would think there should be some sense of comfortability for Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. So, don’t lose hope, it isn’t like Hellebuyck has demanded a trade to this point, it just seems like his American teammates would love to have them join him, somewhere, whatever the cost.
So if Not Sticking It Out in Winnipeg, Then Where?
So, if we take the perspective from these NHL Rumours that Hellebuyck is being dealt, just where could he end up? The Buffalo Sabres had been rumoured, but then it seemed the asking price was too high. It is known Cheveldayoff has long desired a number-two centre in Winnipeg, and part of the impetus of selecting Viggo Bjorck eighth-overall at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. It was reported that they turned down a package involving Jack Quinn, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and a draft pick from Buffalo. However, despite this, it remains a possibility Buffalo are still in play.
The Florida Panthers were a potential destination and that would’ve made sense with the Team USA connection with the Tkachuks, but it seems they have landed on Jacob Markstrom following yesterday’s trade. Now, it appears that the Carolina Hurricanes might be a front-runner. As Stanley Cup champions, they instantly catapult themselves as a preferred destination. Also, even in victory, they had been running a three-goalie system in net, and would be very happy with Hellebuyck taking control of situation.
Other potential destinations land him with the New Jersey Devils and even the San Jose Sharks. There is some thought that Hellebuyck isn’t a fit under Devils general manager Sunny Mehta’s vision. And of course, given the influx of young talent in San Jose, that would be very intriguing. So we are here to say, don’t give up Jet fans, as Hellebuyck could still stick around. At the very least, it seems that Cheveldayoff with demand a capable NHL-calibre goalie coming back, along with a coveted number-two centre.
At this time, Cheveldayoff, like everyone, is intently focused on free agency. However, if someone wants to talk trade, it is known that he will be all ears. Stay tuned with us for the very latest.
Main Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
