Connor Hellebuyck Approved a Failed Jets Draft Deal with Sabres — What Now?

The Winnipeg Jets reportedly had a deal in the works with the Buffalo Sabres for goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Conflicting reports try to explain why the deal fell apart, but most believe the return included the No. 4 overall pick, goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and a roster player (believed to be Jack Quinn). There might have been another player/pick involved. Ultimately, the deal never got across the finish line.

Some say the Jets didn’t like the offer. Others say it is believed that Buffalo backed out because they felt the cost was just a little too high. Interestingly, according to Elliotte Friedman, depending on who you speak to, some people thought that a deal between Winnipeg and Buffalo was so close that Hellebuyck had agreed to go to Buffalo.

Expect the two teams to circle back on conversations, possibly adjusting the return. The challenge now is that the No. 4 pick was used and is no longer available in the trade. The Sabres took defenseman Daxon Rudolph with the fourth-overall selection. He’ll play at Denver University next season.

The Jets are not rushing this decision. Reports are that if they can’t find a trade they like, there is an understanding between the netminder and the team that they’ll go into next season with Hellebuyck in goal. If that’s the case, the Jets will continue to look at trade options throughout the season.

The failed deal also allows other clubs to get back into the mix. The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are also reportedly interested. It’s not clear if Hellebuyck was asked to waive for either of those two teams.

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