NHL Trades and Rumors

A Surprise Team Just Entered the Connor Hellebuyck Sweepstakes

The San Jose Sharks might be a team to step up and try to trade for Connor Hellebuyck. Mike Grier staying busy.

by
NHL Trade Talk
July 13, 2026

For weeks, the Buffalo Sabres have been viewed as the frontrunner in the Connor Hellebuyck trade rumors, but a new report suggests the San Jose Sharks could be quietly emerging as a legitimate competitor for the Winnipeg Jets’ star goaltender.

Alex Nedeljkovic is pegged to be the starter for the Sharks. He played 40 games last season and posted an .896 save percentage with a 2.87 goals-against average. Those are solid numbers, and with Yaroslav Askarov and Eric Comrie rounding out the tandem, on a team with an improved defense, they should be capable of helping San Jose compete for a playoff spot. However, it’s not Hellebuyck-level goaltending.

According to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press, the Sharks’ recent addition of Comrie — Hellebuyck’s longtime backup in Winnipeg — could be a meaningful signal. McIntyre described Comrie as Hellebuyck’s “personal security blanket” and suggested the reunion could make San Jose’s pitch to Hellebuyck considerably more appealing. “I still believe Buffalo is the most logical landing spot, but I also keep coming back to San Jose as a suitable destination — and that was before they went and inked Comrie, which no doubt would make the sales pitch to Hellebuyck even easier,” McIntyre wrote.

McIntyre wrote, “I firmly believe Connor Hellebuyck is going to be traded. In fact, I’d put the odds somewhere north of 95 per cent. I just don’t know exactly when, or to whom.”

If San Jose does land him, the Sharks would likely need to move on from Nedeljkovic, who has a three-team no-trade clause, to make room in their crease. That would leave the Sharks with a projected tandem of Hellebuyck and Comrie, while 24-year-old Yaroslav Askarov continues developing behind them.

It’s been a busy summer for the Sharks. They added Jacob Trouba and Mason Marchment in free agency. They also traded for Darnell Nurse and acquired Michael Kesselring. If GM Mike Grier is making a push, adding Hellebuyck would be his big swing that potentially puts the team over the top.

Reports are that Hellebuyck wants to go to Buffalo, but if the Sharks present a strong offer, why would he not see the upside in joining one of the league’s most up-and-coming clubs?

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