The Connor Hellebuyck trade rumors connecting the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres are not going away, and there is a legitimate hockey reason for the continued speculation. Buffalo has spent years trying to stabilize its crease, while Winnipeg must decide whether holding onto an elite 33-year-old goaltender is the best path for a roster that may need to get younger. According to The Athletic’s Murat Ates and Matthew Fairburn, the teams explored a deal before the NHL Draft, but the framework reportedly fell apart when the Sabres refused to include the fourth-overall pick.
That failed negotiation does not mean the conversation is finished. It simply shows how complicated a Hellebuyck trade would be. The Buffalo Sabres would be acquiring a proven franchise goalie with five seasons remaining at an $8.5 million average annual value, so Winnipeg has every reason to demand more than draft picks and distant prospects. My read is that the Jets would need at least one established NHL player who can help immediately, plus a premium secondary asset with meaningful long-term upside.
What the Buffalo Sabres May Have to Give Up for Connor Hellebuyck
Ates and Fairburn suggested the Winnipeg Jets would likely covet a young Buffalo Sabres forward such as Zach Benson or Josh Doan. Either player would give Winnipeg a controllable building block who could grow with the next version of the roster.
From Buffalo’s perspective, however, moving Benson or Doan would be painful. The Sabres are not trying to exchange their future for a short-term rental. They would be adding Hellebuyck to strengthen a young core they believe is ready to take a major step toward becoming a consistent playoff team.
That is why Ryan McLeod may become the most realistic starting point. McLeod would provide the Jets with NHL speed, versatility and immediate help down the middle. He would not be enough on his own, but McLeod paired with a substantial secondary piece could create a workable structure.
Winnipeg would likely push for a high-end prospect such as defenseman Radim Mrtka, while Buffalo may prefer to include its 2027 first-round pick instead. A package involving McLeod, a first-round selection and another prospect would give the Jets a combination of immediate roster help and future value.
The selection of defenseman Daxon Rudolph gives Buffalo another layer of organizational depth on the blue line and could make Mrtka easier to discuss. Still, the Sabres should be cautious about emptying their prospect pool. Hellebuyck would dramatically raise Buffalo’s ceiling, but the team must preserve enough young talent to remain competitive throughout the remaining years of his contract.
Connor Hellebuyck Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 625 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Playoffs | 58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Why the Winnipeg Jets Can Afford to Wait
The most important leverage point belongs to Winnipeg: the Jets do not have to trade Connor Hellebuyck. He has five years remaining on his contract, and there is no immediate deadline forcing Winnipeg’s front office to accept a discounted return. The Jets can carry Hellebuyck into training camp, evaluate their roster and determine whether the team can rebound during the opening months of the season.
That patience could also improve the trade market. Goaltending problems often become more urgent once teams begin playing meaningful games. An injury, a poor start or unexpected playoff expectations could push another club to enter the bidding.
Significant NHL trades are not limited to draft weekend or the opening of free agency. A deal can emerge during training camp, the preseason or later in the regular season when pressure rises and teams have a clearer understanding of their weaknesses.
There is also a scenario in which Hellebuyck and the Jets bounce back together. Moving a franchise goaltender is an enormous organizational decision, especially when that goalie is under contract for another five seasons. Unless Winnipeg receives an offer that improves both its present roster and long-term outlook, keeping Hellebuyck may remain the better option.
My take is that Buffalo remains one of the most logical destinations, but the Sabres should not expect Winnipeg to settle for futures alone. A package built around McLeod, a first-round pick and another quality asset could keep negotiations alive. If Buffalo refuses to move Benson or Doan, the secondary piece must be strong enough to give the Jets both immediate value and long-term upside.
Nothing appears imminent, but this is exactly the type of blockbuster possibility that could quickly return when September roster decisions begin. Buffalo has the motivation, Winnipeg has the leverage and Hellebuyck has the talent to completely alter the Sabres’ outlook. The only question is whether the two teams can finally agree on the price.
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