Buffalo Sabres superstar Tage Thompson got a close-up look at the game-changing abilities of Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck during the 2026 Winter Olympics, which ended with Team USA winning the gold medal with an overtime victory over rival Canada.
Now, with the Sabres aiming to emerge as a legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, they've been rumored to have interest in a potential blockbuster trade for Hellebuyck before NHL training camp.
Thompson spoke with Michael Traikos of The Hockey News about the speculation, saying "we would love to have him in Buffalo."
"He's a very humble guy and works extremely hard, and obviously his gifts and his talents are undeniable," the Sabres forward said. "I think what makes him so great is his competitiveness. He just rises to the occasion. He wants to be in those moments where the team leans on him. And when we had to lean on him, he showed up."
Thompson added: "He's the best in the world."
Buffalo made a push to land Hellebuyck ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft but those talks apparently fell short after Winnipeg was unwilling to include the No. 8 selection as part of a multi-asset deal also headlined by the No. 4 overall pick owned by the Sabres.
Although there's been conflicting reports about whether Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has circled back for further discussions with Winnipeg counterpart Kevin Cheveldayoff after Hellebuyck recently went public with his trade request, the rumor mill remains active.
The 33-year-old goaltender is coming off the worst season of his decorated career, posting an .895 save percentage in 57 appearances, but his track record gives him a case as the best netminder of his generation, highlighted by three Vezina Trophies and a Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP.
While there's concern last season may have been the beginning of an age-related decline, a return to his prior impact would give the Sabres a clear No. 1 goalie. As it stands, the team is projected to run it back with a three-goalie rotation of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis.
Thompson sounds excited about a potential Hellebuyck addition, though.
Current Sabres goalies also receive support from Tage Thompson
Even though Buffalo's alternate captain made his feelings about Hellebuyck's possible impact clear, he also expressed confidence about the club's current trio.
"We have three talented goalies that all played great last year for us when we needed them," Thompson told Traikos. "We just need each guy to take another step, and I know those guys put in the work to do that and I'm excited for the season."
The Sabres' rotation in the crease worked well during the 2025-26 regular season. They ranked third in the league in cumulative save percentage in all situations, which is a foundational reason the organization won the Atlantic Division title.
Things fell apart in the playoffs, however. Neither UPL nor Lyon was able to hold down the starting job for an extended stretch during Buffalo's run to the second round, which left head coach Lindy Ruff to make a tough decision between the pipes each night.
A Hellebuyck trade would eliminate those question marks, though his recent postseason performance (.870 SV% in 23 games since 2023) is another variable that's part of the conversation.
Are the Sabres better off keeping their three goalies with hope one of them emerges as an unquestioned starter during the 84-game regular season? It's impossible to say for sure.
All told, Buffalo's front office has faced criticism for its lack of a marquee addition during a summer where both Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram departed the organization. Bringing in Hellebuyck would silence those critics, and it'd also provide a spark to open training camp.
The Sabres shouldn't vastly overpay, and prior indications suggested the Jets wanted a king's ransom. If the price has come down amid the public request with camp on the horizon, however, then it could make a ton of sense for Kekalainen to strike.
Either way, we'll soon find out the answer to the NHL offseason's most persistent question.
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