Edmonton Oilers
A Twist in the Hellebuyck Saga: Jets Insider Says “I Think He Would” Join Edmonton
Jets insider says Hellebuyck may accept an Oilers trade, shifting the narrative around his future and Edmonton’s Cup window.
Connor Hellebuyck officially went public with his trade request to leave the Winnipeg Jets — a move that wasn’t exactly shocking, but still sent a jolt through the NHL. Most insiders already suspected he wanted out, and that a trade was inevitable. The real eyebrow‑raiser was learning the request was submitted months ago, and only now being dragged into the spotlight. That public pressure puts Winnipeg in a tough spot.
The assumption around the league has been simple: Hellebuyck wants an American market. It fits the trend. Multiple USA Olympic Team players have pushed their way out of Canadian cities, and the chatter around Hellebuyck following the same path has been relentless.
But… what if that narrative is wrong?
Would Hellebuyck Actually Consider Edmonton?
On the Bleed Oil Blue Podcast, Jets reporter Sean Reynolds was asked point‑blank whether Hellebuyck would consider a trade to the Edmonton Oilers — a Canadian market, and one most people assumed would be off his list.
Reynolds didn’t hesitate:
“I think he would. I think it gives him a shot at doing what he feels he needs to do to complete his legacy, and that’s have some playoff success and that’s win a Stanley Cup.”
That’s a massive statement. And it lines up with something Winnipeg has been wrestling with internally: their core is aging. Reynolds laid it out bluntly:
“The Jets core: Connor Hellebuyck, Adam Lowry, Mark Scheifele — they’re all 33 years old… they strongly feel the best days are still ahead with this group and that they’re going to head over and win a Stanley Cup. It’s a dangerous idea, because if it doesn’t work out in the next couple of years, it’s gonna collapse.”
Winnipeg believes they can still win with this group. Hellebuyck clearly doesn’t share that confidence.
What This Really Means
Reynolds’ comments matter because he’s plugged into the Jets. And he’s not the only one suggesting Hellebuyck’s list of acceptable destinations is wider than people assumed. Unlike Dylan Larkin’s restrictive three‑team list, Hellebuyck seems far more open to different landing spots.
Most fans assumed no Canadian team would be on that list. But if winning is the priority — and it absolutely is — then Edmonton becomes a legitimate option. The Oilers offer something few teams can: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, elite talent everywhere, and a Cup window that’s wide open.
If Edmonton had a true number‑one goalie in 2024 or 2025, they probably have at least one banner hanging right now. Hellebuyck could be the missing piece.
It would also send a massive message to McDavid about long‑term commitment — something the organization has been trying to reinforce for years.
The concern, of course, is Hellebuyck’s age (33) and workload. Winnipeg has ridden him hard for years, and last season wasn’t his best. Is the wear and tear catching up? Maybe. But he also just backstopped Team USA to Olympic gold, proving that behind a strong roster, he can still look elite.
The Playoff Question
Oilers fans will immediately think about playoff inconsistency — because they’ve lived it. Stuart Skinner has been hot‑and‑cold in every run, and Hellebuyck has had similar issues. His regular seasons are spectacular; his playoff numbers often aren’t.
That’s the gamble.
Hellebuyck carries a $8.5M AAV cap hit for five more years. It’s a great contract if he maintains his regular‑season dominance and elevates in the postseason. It’s a concern if the playoff trend continues.
But Edmonton has been searching for this exact piece for years. And if Hellebuyck truly wants to win above all else, the Oilers might be one of the few Canadian teams he’d actually say yes to.
Next: Oilers Trade Package for Connor Hellebuyck — Would You Accept?
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