Time is running out for the Winnipeg Jets to move Connor Hellebuyck before he can declare his intention to return to the organization, which suspended All-Star goalie after he failed to report for training camp following his public trade request.
Although Friday's deadline is artificial — the Jets could still keep Hellebuyck and resume paying his contract but tell him to remain away from the team — it seems like the best option for all parties involved to find the three-time Vezina Trophy winner a new home.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Monday on the 32 Thoughts podcast he sees four NHL teams still leading the charge to land the 33-year-old goaltender.
"I think it really comes down to Buffalo, Rangers, possibly Utah, possibly Carolina," Friedman said.
The popular NHL insider added he's heard the speculation about the Los Angeles Kings, but noted he finds it "hard" to see the trade parameters between L.A. and Winnipeg.
"And I always assume there's other teams out there I'm not seeing," Friedman said.
The Sabres have been the club most heavily linked to Hellebuyck since early summer, when there was intense speculation leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft. The front offices couldn't reach an agreement, however, and the rumors faded over the past few months.
Although the Mammoth and Hurricanes have become popular landing spots for the Olympic gold medalist since those initial talks with Buffalo fell through, it's never sounded like a deal between either one of those clubs and the Jets was imminent.
Then there's the Rangers, who are trying to decide the best path forward after superstar netminder Igor Shesterkin suffered a season-ending injury.
Friedman explained Hellebuyck ending up in New York still isn't the most probable outcome, but the team's arrival to the goalie market could shake things up.
"The Rangers, not because Hellebuyck, I don't think that's likely, but whatever [general manager] Chris Drury is gonna do here with the injury to Shesterkin, it could set a chain reaction around the league," Friedman said.
All told, the lack of certainty creates plenty of intrigue leading up to Friday.
Elliotte Friedman pegs simple reason for persistent Sabres, Hellebuyck trade rumors
Buffalo's goaltending has faltered during the early stages of the 2026-27 season. Neither Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen nor Colten Ellis has provided stability in the crease, and Alex Lyon recently suffered a setback in his recovery from an upper-body injury.
It was always a long shot that trio would replicate their success as a rotation last year, when the Sabres ranked fourth in team save percentage, and a lot of that ties back to the frustrating lack of consistency from UPL, who's struggled to string productive seasons together.
"Buffalo because they've wanted Hellebuyck and he is willing to go to them," Friedman said while discussing the interested clubs.
The Sabres are off to a modest 4-3-2 start, a record compiled despite poor play between the pipes and dreadful work on special teams.
Yes, Hellebuyck is coming off the worst statistical season of his decorated career (.895 SV% in 57 games), but his track record strongly suggests he'd represent an upgrade over UPL, Lyon and Ellis.
Although it's been reported Luukkonen added the Jets to his no-trade list, Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen could always send him elsewhere (like the Rangers) in a separate deal.
Kekalainen has taken a measured approach to the Hellebuyck situation, not wanting to overpay for an aging goalie who's signed through 2030-31, but he'd be taking a substantial risk if he decides to rest the season's hopes on UPL, Lyon and Ellis once again.
Meanwhile, the Jets are off to a solid start (4-2-2) without their longtime goalie, so if there was ever a time to bring the drama to an end, now feels like an ideal time.
Perhaps a solution will finally arrive over the next few days.
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