The Winnipeg Jets appear open to trading their Vezina caliber goalie this offseason as it appears Connor Hellebuyck has no desire to re-sign long-term in Winnipeg.
Hellebuyck currently has a Winnipeg Jets salary cap hit of $6.2 million/year and any team interested in signing him long-term can expect a cap hit around $7.5 million.
Devils, Sabres, Senators interested in a Connor Hellebuyck trade
Shayna Goldman of The Athletic reports the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators are the teams that have the assets and salary cap space to make a Connor Hellebuyck trade.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres want to be a playoff team and they need a goalie to take the next step. They have the assets to make the trade and should be all-in on Hellebuyck this offseason.
New Jersey Devils
With the New Jersey Devils main players entering their prime, they are in win now mode and need a goalie after Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid stumbled in the series against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators need a goalie. They are primed to be playoff contenders. The only way they can afford to sign Connor Hellebuyck to a long-term deal is to trade Alex DeBrincat. The Sens have draft picks and prospects to offer up in a Hellebuyck trade.
What are NHL fans saying about a potential Connor Hellebuyck trade?
I don’t think the Buffalo Sabres need Hellebuyck. Not with Levi. He’s an upcoming UFA. Likely won’t re-sign in Buffalo. An expensive rental.
This is a no brainer for the Sens, Sabres and Devils! There are sooo few really good goalies , if they get him, they are all serious Cup contenders.
Hellebuyck is over-rated. I would not make a trade for him.
