August 29, 2026 • 3:02 PM EDT
Updated 7 days ago
Connor Hellebuyck has stoked the goalie market after telling the Winnipeg Jets he wants out. The Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, whose agent confirmed his trade request, is now the hottest name available. Despite a knee surgery and posting a personal worst .895 save percentage last season, Hellebuyck played 57 games, split wins and losses, and was key for Team USA’s Olympic gold. Teams know he’s capable of carrying them—there’s just not many goalies with his pedigree on the block.
Buffalo had their eyes on Hellebuyck back at the NHL Draft. Negotiations between GM Jarmo Kekalainen and the Jets’ Kevin Cheveldayoff didn’t materialize into a blockbuster. But with Hellebuyck’s intentions now public, the Jets’ bargaining power might be slipping, and he’s reportedly open-minded about where he lands. The Sabres aren’t out, and with how starved they are for stability in net, you have to think they’ll keep dialing.
Still, there’s a catch. Winnipeg could play the waiting game. Unless Hellebuyck decides to hold out, the Jets might ride out the start of the season for a stronger deal—they know these goalies can shape a playoff drive. The Sabres were willing to float Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in a package, but his five-team no-trade clause complicates matters and could block any Winnipeg move. The Sabres’ options likely shift to offering a young center like Noah Ostlund or Konsta Helenius, a blue-chip defense prospect (think Daxon Rudolph or Radim Mrtka), or a proven forward such as Jack Quinn or Ryan McLeod. That’s top-tier talent for a top-tier goalie, and the Sabres can’t afford to stand still.
- Buffalo’s original trade offer built around Luukkonen now faces obstacles due to his no-trade clause
- The Sabres could pivot to young centers, defensive prospects, or established forwards as trade bait
- The Jets’ leverage has weakened since Hellebuyck’s desire to leave became public
- Other postseason-caliber teams remain interested, which can heat up bidding
The Devils are also firmly in the conversation. After missing the 2025 playoffs with a 42-37-3 record, shuffling coaches, and losing Jack Hughes to a lengthy injury stint, New Jersey’s Achilles’ heel was goaltending. Jacob Markstrom is gone after a June deal to Florida, so what’s left is a carousel of Jake Allen, David Rittich, and Nico Daws—none exactly locked-in NHL starters. The question is whether they can package something enticing enough to bring Hellebuyck to Jersey.
For the Devils, the main trade chip could be Nico Daws if the Jets want youth in net, but Winnipeg’s front office is said to want help up the middle. That puts Dawson Mercer in play—he’s 24 and a known commodity. Still, New Jersey GM Sunny Mehta isn’t rushing. Word is, he might be holding back, monitoring whether Quinn Hughes in Minnesota renews his deal. If Hughes stays put, expect the Devils to turn up the volume on their Hellebuyck pursuit fast.
What This Means for the Goalie Market
If you’re eyeing futures or playoff odds for Buffalo or New Jersey, this is the domino that could shift everything. Hellebuyck landing with either would give them the elite netminding that’s been lacking. Buffalo in particular hasn’t had this position solved in ages, while New Jersey needs consistency after a disappointing campaign. The Jets, meanwhile, might end up with NHL-ready prospects or big-league forwards, depending who wins the sweepstakes.
Key Developments Impacting the Trade Landscape
- Sabres’ goalie offer complicated by Luukkonen’s limited no-trade list
- Jets lost negotiation strength after public trade demand
- Multiple teams (including contenders) are now circling, upping Hellebuyck’s value
- Devils weighing deals based on outside factors like Quinn Hughes’ contract
Key Takeaways for Bettors and Fans
- Hellebuyck’s trade request is official and confirmed by his agent
- Sabres and Devils are both strongly linked and have trade assets to offer
- Buffalo’s goalie trade options now hinge more on young skaters than Luukkonen
- Winnipeg may wait out the market unless Hellebuyck holds out
- The Devils’ bid likely depends on other player contracts across the league
- Hellebuyck immediately boosts either team’s playoff and Stanley Cup odds
- Jets’ haul depends entirely on how big the bidding war gets
According to Yahoo Sports, the Sabres and Devils are still in this race, with both hungry to land the franchise-altering goaltender. Whether it’s Buffalo or New Jersey, you’ll want to watch this saga—because it’s not often one goalie can swing the NHL landscape overnight.
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