Connor Hellebuyck’s future in Winnipeg is suddenly looking a lot less settled, and one prominent insider thinks the ending is already written.
In his latest newsletter, Winnipeg Free Press reporter Mike McIntyre said he believes the Jets are headed toward a trade involving their star goalie. He didn’t leave much room for doubt.
"I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded. In fact, I'd put the odds somewhere north of 95 per cent. I just don't know exactly when, or to whom," McIntyre said.
The speculation has only picked up since the NHL Draft, and McIntyre pointed to Winnipeg’s move to sign Stuart Skinner after Eric Comrie left for the San Jose Sharks as one reason he expects Hellebuyck won’t be back next season. He also flagged the fact that Hellebuyck, Skinner and Comrie are all represented by agent Ray Petkau.
If Winnipeg does move Hellebuyck, the Buffalo Sabres keep coming up as a possible destination. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said the two sides picked things back up after the draft.
"The talks between Buffalo and Winnipeg continued after the draft, they kinda got back to it on Monday; is there a pathway? Radim Mrtka's name started to pop up," Pagnotta said on Daily Faceoff's The Rundown.
Former Sabres goalie Martin Biron thinks the price tag may have shifted since the teams were unable to hammer out a deal before the draft.
"I think that Winnipeg maybe overplayed their hand before the draft," Biron said on WGR 550. "They were demanding, wanted a certain return, and maybe the Sabres weren't willing to give in. I think now it may soften a little bit."
Hellebuyck is under contract with Winnipeg through the 2030-31 season on a seven-year, $59.5 million deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million.
The veteran netminder is coming off a tough season with the Jets, finishing 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals-against average in 57 games. He also helped the United States win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics earlier this year.
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