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Buffalo Sabres: 3 reasons why it’s time to stop talking about Hellebuyck

By Sion Fawkes

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets in the second period at Honda Center on March 23, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets in the second period at Honda Center on March 23, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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For weeks, we’ve heard whispers that Connor Hellebuyck was linked to the Buffalo Sabres. And it’s a blockbuster rumor that won’t come into fruition.

For a while now, we’ve talked about a potential trade for Connor Hellebuyck, just like they’ve been doing everywhere. And rarely have I thought it was a good idea for the Buffalo Sabres to trade for the Winnipeg Jets goaltender.

I think I wrote one piece even remotely endorsing it, and that was regarding the trade package I cited Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News proposing a few weeks back. Other than that, I’ve often stressed it just isn’t wise for a team not only looking to build, but to sustain a strong prospects pool to trade a ransom for a 30-year-goaltender.

But I’m not going to sit here and make the, “I don’t know, I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” claim. Not only is that the absolute worst reasoning in the known universe, but you deserve a few reasons why it’s time to stop talking about Hellebuyck and accept the fact general manager Kevyn Adams isn’t trading for the guy. Let’s dive in.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 19: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets makes the first period save against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 19, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 19: Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets makes the first period save against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 19, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Why it’s time Buffalo Sabres fans stopped talking about Hellebuyck

1 – Sabres aren’t paying for a potential rental

The Buffalo Sabres aren’t risking paying someone whose current AAV sits at $6.167 million for a season while giving up potentially current and future assets in the process. That would be foolish for a team who hasn’t made the playoffs in over 12 seasons whose plan is more than coming into fruition.

Sure, the Jets can help pick up the tab, but that probably means giving up even more in terms of current and future assets. The entire point of Kevyn Adams’ plan was for the Sabres to become a successful team and maintain that success long-term.

Making such a trade for Hellebuyck puts that success at risk regardless of how you look at it. This reason alone is why Hellebuyck isn’t coming to the Queen City, however. The next one on the list should make you cringe.

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