What do Buffalo Sabres fans think of perhaps acquiring Hellebuyck?
By Zach Jezioro
Would Buffalo Sabres fans want Connor Hellebuyck on the team? Here is what a select few fans think of potentially acquiring the goaltender.
How is this for an offseason rumor? According to Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic, it seems like the Buffalo Sabres have interest in Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
It might be only May and the playoffs are still going on, but let the rumors begin! With this bombshell of a report, I thought I would make an article out of it and ask Sabres fans what they thought about possibly acquiring Hellebuyck from the Jets.
Before we get into some of the answers, let’s take a look at Hellebuyck’s stats. The 29-year-old posted a record of 37-25-2, a GAA (Goals Against Average) of 2.49 and a SV% (Save Percentage) of .920. As for the postseason against the Vegas Golden Knights, it was different story. With a 1-4 record, his SV% was .886 and posted a GAA of 3.44 as Winnipeg would be eliminated in five games.
Should the Buffalo Sabres trade for Connor Hellebuyck?
I think it would be good, it makes a lot of sense also helps Levi ease in to the starting role more, the thing is I don't believe we outbid a team like the Devils or Kings, I'm also still a high believer in UPL I wouldn't be against it but i also can understand the benefits of it
— Sachiko🩵 (@HoodieStanway) May 15, 2023
This is a good point. If Buffalo was able to acquire Hellebuyck, it would take a lot of pressure off of Devon Levi. During this season, the Sabres were trying to push for a playoff spot and Levi was the go to guy. For next season, you have Levi already.
Now, add a solid and battle tested goalie in Hellebuyck to play in some games to give Levi a break and allowing to develop while watching a very good goalie. I think it would be good for not only Devon, but for the team as well.
As long as he can play Top 4 “D” l’m all for it! Levi is a Blue Chip Goalie and UPL is ready for 1B. If anything bring in a UFA goalie short term that won’t cost us anything. But we need to fix Defence first.
— Rick Davidson (@intheshortstuff) May 16, 2023
I also agree with this point. If you watched Sabres games from this season, then you know how bad the defense was. No matter who was in net, Buffalo definitely struggled defensively. For those who don’t want Hellebuyck, I am intrigued to see how good Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen can be behind a better blue line.
It would be a mistake to stint Levis development further. We don’t need a #1 we need a 1A and 1B
— Mark🤌🏼 (@handslike_march) May 15, 2023
This reply was an interesting one. But it poses the question, wouldn’t Hellebuyck and Levi be considered a 1A and 1B? I know Levi isn’t a number one just yet, but if he keeps on playing well like we expect him to, would he be considered a number one goalie. Again, this is assuming Levi performs really well but it’s a good counter question to think about.
Must Read. How the Sabres fared at the 2023 IIHF Worlds so far. light
For my answer, I would be okay with it. You finally have a reliable goaltender who is a proven starter. However, there were responses that didn’t make the cut where they didn’t want to mess with Levi’s development.
Source: NHL offseason trade board: What we’re hearing about Jets stars, Leafs’ Core 4 and other targets by Michael Russo and Eric Duhatschek, TheAthletic.com