Connor Hellebuyck’s name keeps surfacing in trade chatter, and the latest offseason moves in Winnipeg only poured more fuel on it.
The Jets’ decision-making at goaltender has turned into a loud signal for people around the league. Winnipeg Free Press reporter Mike McIntyre said on X that the club’s choice to let Eric Comrie leave in free agency, then turn around and sign Stuart Skinner, points to a future that may not include Hellebuyck.
“The writing is on the wall here in Winnipeg. Connor Hellebuyck is (almost certainly) moving on. That became apparent on July 1 when the Jets did not re-sign his personal security blanket, Eric Comrie.”
Comrie departed when free agency opened on July 1. Skinner followed later that day, landing a two-year, $3.75 million contract. Put together, those moves have only strengthened the belief that Winnipeg is bracing for life without its No. 1 goalie.
That would mark a sharp shift from where things stood a year ago. Hellebuyck was fresh off Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy wins, and the Jets had finished first in the NHL to capture the Presidents’ Trophy.
Last season told a very different story. Winnipeg stumbled to a 35-35-12 record and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Hellebuyck finished 23-23-11 with a .895 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average in 57 games. He remains under contract through the 2030-31 season with an $8.5 million cap hit.
Buffalo is still in the conversation as a possible landing spot. NHL insider David Pagnotta said the Sabres and Jets picked back up trade talks after the NHL Draft, with 19-year-old defense prospect Radim Mrtka entering the discussion.
NHL Rumour Report relayed Pagnotta’s comments on X:
"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."
Buffalo had also explored a deal during the draft, but the teams couldn’t get one done. The Sabres are still looking for a No. 1 goaltender, and their cap space gives them room to take on Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million hit. If Mrtka is part of any package, it would be a major price for Buffalo, since the 19-year-old is viewed as one of the organization’s top prospects.
Carolina has also come up as a possible destination. Earlier this month, NHL insider Chris Johnston said the Hurricanes could circle back to trade discussions after free agency, and he added that Hellebuyck would improve almost any team in the league.