Buffalo Sabres

Connor Hellebuyck and the Latest On 4 Teams Linked to His Blockbuster Trade

What is the latest on a Connor Hellebuyck trade and what is the status of the four teams most often linked to the star goaltender?

by
NHL Trade Talk
July 1, 2026

Most eyes are on the opening of free agency on Wednesday, but a few are still watching what happens in Winnipeg, as a Connor Hellebuyck trade could dramatically shift the goalie market. Will he get traded? Things were close with the Buffalo Sabres, but a deal fell apart and now the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are being linked.

A Hellebuyck trade also shifts what the Jets will do today. If they can move him, they’ll be potentially plugging holes while creating others. Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet writes, “In a perfect world, you would think [Kevin] Cheveldayoff would like some certainty to the Hellebuyck question sooner rather than later, as it obviously impacts the other bits of business he’ll need to do.”

Let’s update this story with the latest information available.

As per Darren Dreger: “Carolina remains a contender for Connor Hellebuyck, while it’s fair to wonder if Buffalo circles back. Nothing imminent with Hellebuyck. The Jets are focused on Free Agency today, but will engage if trade talks intensify.” He also added, “To date, NJD have not been in the mix for Connor Hellebuyck. Things can change with a call, but as of right now, there’s no link to the Devils, post Markstrom trade to Florida.”

Elliotte Friedman noted, “I don’t buy the New Jersey hype. It’s not a contract that fits the profile of new GM Sunny Mehta. Hellebuyck would waive to Buffalo, but a couple of sources have said since last weekend that a trade wasn’t as close as we thought. Some of the rumoured Sabres returns have new no-trade protection. Winnipeg would love to bring him back, but I think it’s unlikely.”

While a guest on Oilers Now, Friedman also said, “I just heard Carolina doesn’t have what Winnipeg wants; I think Buffalo does.”

The Florida Panthers are out. They acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Angus Crookshank from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves. They also added Akira Schmid in an ealier trade to be part of the tandem with Markstrom.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Panthers, Devils & Oilers Waiting