The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga appears to be approaching its breaking point. The Winnipeg Jets star goaltender has requested a trade and remains suspended after failing to report for NHL training camp, but the latest reports suggest Winnipeg may be close to a deal.
Jets closing in on Connor Hellebuyck trade! #GoJetsGo #NHLTR https://t.co/uQwJAM0XsI
— NHL Trade Rumors (@NHLTradeRumors) October 19, 2026
The Jets are believed to be in advanced discussions on a potential Hellebuyck trade, with the Buffalo Sabres and Utah Mammoth emerging as the teams reportedly battling over the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.
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Jets appear to be nearing a breaking point
The timing is becoming increasingly important. Hellebuyck’s suspension is expected to end Friday, Oct. 23, meaning Winnipeg has only a few days to determine how it wants to handle the situation.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that the Jets would prefer to trade Hellebuyck rather than simply bring him back into the organization under the current circumstances. If a trade cannot be completed, Friedman believes Winnipeg could pay Hellebuyck while keeping him away from the team rather than immediately putting him back into the lineup.
That makes this week particularly significant. Winnipeg has maintained that the situation remains unresolved, with head coach Scott Arniel saying Monday that everyone is essentially waiting to see how the situation plays out.
Hellebuyck’s value is obvious. He won the Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy in 2024-25 and helped Team USA win Olympic gold earlier this year. He also has five seasons remaining on his seven-year, $59.5 million contract, carrying an $8.5 million annual cap hit.
Buffalo, Utah and the Rangers could shape the market
Buffalo appears to be one of the most serious destinations. Friedman identified the Sabres as one of the teams holding the keys to a potential deal, while Utah has also remained involved in the discussions.
The New York Rangers could also play an important role even if they do not ultimately acquire Hellebuyck. With Igor Shesterkin dealing with an injury, New York’s decision in net could create a chain reaction involving Buffalo or Utah and potentially help facilitate a larger trade.
For now, nothing is official. But with the suspension deadline approaching and reports of advanced trade talks emerging, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the possibility of Hellebuyck being moved before the end of the week.
The NHL could be on the verge of one of its biggest trades of the season.
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