Full Breakdown
Connor Hellebuyck Trade Rumors Dominate 2026 Off-Season Talk
7/18/2026, 1:11:36 PM
Core Trade Speculation
On June 26, TSN reporter Darren Dreger said the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres were in “deep negotiations” over a deal that would have sent elite goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to Buffalo. The discussion cooled quickly, but the speculation placed Hellebuyck at the top of post-draft trade target rankings for the summer.
Potential Destinations
Analysts from The Winnipeg Sun, Sportsnet, and the Winnipeg Free Press identified the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and San Jose Sharks as the most likely suitors. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet expressed doubt that the Devils would pursue Hellebuyck because of his contract size, while Massimo De Luca-Taronno suggested the Sabres remained in the race alongside the Hurricanes and Devils.
Contract and No-Movement Implications
Hellebuyck carries an average annual value of $8.5 million. As teams fill cap space with offseason additions, absorbing that salary could become increasingly difficult. His full no-movement clause grants him complete control over any potential relocation, meaning any trade would require his consent.
Forecasts and Opinions
Mark McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press estimated the odds of a trade at “north of 95 percent,” highlighting the Sabres, Sharks, and Hurricanes as primary destinations. Conversely, De Luca-Taronno argued it is “increasingly likely” that Hellebuyck will report to the Jets’ training camp in September, suggesting the trade window may close.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While multiple outlets report high trade probability, no official confirmation from the Jets, Sabres, or Hellebuyck himself has been released. The lack of a formal statement leaves uncertainty about whether any agreement will materialize before the September training-camp deadline.
