The Buffalo Sabres have reportedly engaged in discussions with the Winnipeg Jets regarding the potential acquisition of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. These talks were mentioned by Elliotte Friedman during the NHL Draft in Buffalo.
According to reports, Hellebuyck had expressed a willingness to waive his no-movement clause to join Buffalo. However, these discussions appear to have stalled, though there is a possibility they could resume. Hellebuyck is currently under a contract with five years remaining on a seven-year deal, which carries an annual average value of $8.5 million.
The Michigan native, who is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL‘s top goaltender and helped Team USA secure Olympic gold this year, had previously voiced frustration regarding the Jets’ performance last season during his end-of-year press conference.
Sabres’ strategic moves and draft picks
The Sabres, who ended a 14-year playoff drought this year by winning the Atlantic Division, primarily utilized Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon in net for much of the season. The team has been active in the off-season, acquiring the No. 4 pick in Friday’s draft from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenceman Bowen Byram earlier in the week. Buffalo also holds the No. 20 selection in the first round.
There is an expectation around the league that Buffalo may look to convert one or both of these first-round picks into players who can contribute immediately. While the trade for assets from the Blackhawks was seen as positive, the Sabres also lost Byram and Alex Tuch, who was involved in a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals after the Sabres’ efforts to re-sign him were unsuccessful.
Jarmo Kekalainen, the Sabres’ general manager, is reportedly considering various options to bolster the team. These options include conversations with the New York Rangers about Vincent Trocheck, discussions with the Winnipeg Jets regarding Hellebuyck, and talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs about Matthew Knies.
Goaltending market and other interested teams
The interest in Hellebuyck is not limited to the Sabres. The Florida Panthers have also shown significant interest, though their reluctance to part with Anton Lundell has made a potential deal challenging. Lundell was reportedly not available in a prior deal involving Brady Tkachuk with the Ottawa Senators, and this stance appears to remain unchanged for any potential Hellebuyck trade.
The Carolina Hurricanes are another team that has expressed interest in Hellebuyck. Despite winning the Stanley Cup without what some considered a top-tier goalie, Carolina is known for pursuing high-calibre players, making Hellebuyck a potential target for them. If the Jets were to receive the fourth overall pick as part of a trade package, it could be a very appealing offer for Winnipeg, though it is uncertain if Buffalo would pursue that specific path.
The Dallas Stars are also navigating contract discussions with Jason Robertson, who is a restricted free agent. While both sides wish for him to remain with the team, they have not yet agreed on contract details. The Stars are exploring trade options as a contingency, should they be unable to sign Robertson. An offer sheet scenario for Robertson would likely involve a seven-year deal in the range of $15 million annually, with compensation potentially including four first-round picks.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are looking to move Vincent Trocheck, with the asking price reportedly a first-round pick and a prospect. Several teams, including the Sabres, Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens, are monitoring this situation. The Rangers are reportedly waiting for a potential trade involving Dylan Larkin from the Detroit Red Wings to unfold, which they believe could influence the centre market.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
