Connor Hellebuyck remains a member of the Winnipeg Jets as NHL training camps near despite recently going public with his trade request.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet provided an update Thursday on the 32 Thoughts podcast, saying the Jets were "hopeful" Hellebuyck's stance would change ahead of the 2026-27 season, but the NHL insider concluded: "I don't think that's possible. At all."
Friedman also discussed which teams are still considering a trade for the 2025 Hart Trophy winner, led by the Buffalo Sabres.
"So, I think Buffalo's still around it," he said. "I think Utah's still around it. I think Carolina's still around it. I've had very mixed messaging on New Jersey. For a time, I heard they weren't interested. I know some people think they are. I always assume there's people out there I haven't uncovered yet."
That said, Friedman noted Hellebuyck's list of teams he's willing to join is "much, much wider" than some of the other NHL players who've recently made trade requests.
The 33-year-old Michigan native, who won an Olympic gold medal alongside Sabres superstar Tage Thompson at the 2026 Winter Games, is arguably the most decorated goalie of his generation.
Hellebuyck is coming off the worst season of his career, however. The four-time All-Star posted an .895 save percentage across 57 appearances for Winnipeg in 2025-26, triggering fears he may be entering a period of age-related decline.
Those concerns, his $8.5 million salary through 2031 and the public statement about wanting a trade leaves the Jets in a position of fading leverage. It puts a lot of pressure on general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, especially with reconciliation seemingly not on the table.
Hellebuyck hasn't signaled whether he'll report to camp if a trade isn't completed.
Trade dynamics between Sabres and Jets have changed since the 2026 NHL Draft
Rumors around the draft, which took place in late June, suggested Winnipeg was interested in acquiring the No. 4 overall pick from Buffalo as part of the Hellebuyck return package. The Sabres ultimately stood pat and selected defenseman Daxon Rudolph.
In addition, two players mentioned as possible trade candidates, center Josh Norris and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, had new no-trade protections go into place on July 1. It adds extra variables to the discussions between Cheveldayoff and Buffalo counterpart Jarmo Kekalainen.
The Jets also started the process with a ridiculously sky-high asking price — they reportedly asked for budding star Zach Benson during initially conversations with the Sabres — but each passing week has made it clear that type of acquisition won't be possible before the new season.
It's impossible to blame Cheveldayoff for trying to maximize the return but, with camp on the horizon, at some point the demands should come down to a more reasonable level.
Buffalo has other assets who've been mentioned as potential trade chips, led by center Ryan McLeod, winger Jack Quinn, prospect Radim Mrtka and the club's 2027 first-round draft pick.
None of those pieces are truly elite, though Mrtka still has ample upside if his offensive game can evolve over the next few years. Yet, the basis for a rock-solid package is in there somewhere, especially if UPL is willing to waive his no-trade clause for Winnipeg.
It's felt like the Sabres and Jets were a perfect match for the entire summer. Buffalo has an excess of top-nine forwards and goalies, and it'd also give Hellebuyck his desired opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup for the remainder of his career.
Exactly why the sides haven't reach an agreement isn't clear. Is the Sabres' level of interest being overestimated by insiders? Are the Jets ready to play hardball with a franchise legend until the demands are met, even if he doesn't report to camp?
Regardless, the calendar continues to inch closer to the 2026-27 campaign and it's probably best for Winnipeg to find a resolution soon.
The question is whether that means Hellebuyck heads to the Sabres, Mammoth, Hurricanes, Devils or a sleeper contender lurking in the shadows.
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