Connor Hellebuyck‘s future with the Winnipeg Jets continues to generate speculation, and the Edmonton Oilers may have just been handed an intriguing opportunity.
According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the belief that Hellebuyck wants to leave Canada isn’t necessarily accurate. Simmons reported that if the Jets traded Hellebuyck to either the Edmonton Oilers or Montreal Canadiens, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner would report “without hesitation.”
That doesn’t mean Edmonton and Winnipeg are discussing a trade. However, Hellebuyck officially requested a trade earlier this offseason, and Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged the situation in August. For the Oilers, it’s a possibility that should at least get their attention.
Oilers Still Have Questions in Goal
Edmonton completely reshaped its goaltending situation this offseason. The Oilers acquired 24-year-old Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2028 third-round pick and later signed veteran Frederik Andersen. They also have Tristan Jarry, giving Edmonton three potential options in net. But there remains uncertainty.
Andersen is currently sidelined by injury after signing a one-year deal, while Jarry struggled to find consistency following his arrival in Edmonton last season. Levi brings plenty of upside, but with only 39 games of NHL experience, he remains relatively unproven at this level. Goaltending has been one of Edmonton’s biggest question marks over the past few seasons, and adding Hellebuyck would immediately change the outlook in net.
Hellebuyck is coming off a down year by his standards, finishing 23-23-11 with a .895 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average. However, one difficult season shouldn’t overshadow his track record. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and captured both the Vezina and Hart Trophy in 2024-25. With a career .916 save percentage across 625 NHL games, Hellebuyck has established himself as one of the league’s premier goaltenders. For a team built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and trying to maximize its Stanley Cup window, acquiring Hellebuyck would be the ultimate win-now move.
What Would Hellebuyck Cost the Oilers?
That’s where things get complicated. Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million cap hit through the 2030-31 season and has a full no-movement clause in 2026-27. His reported willingness to play in Edmonton could remove one obstacle, but the Oilers would still need to make the money work and satisfy a Jets organization that has little reason to give away an elite goaltender.
A potential package would likely have to include one of Edmonton’s goaltenders, a significant young player or prospect, and potentially draft capital. Exactly what Winnipeg would demand is unknown, and there is no indication such a package has been formally discussed. The Oilers also have to determine how much they’re willing to sacrifice after investing in Levi as a potential long-term solution. General manager Stan Bowman specifically pointed to Levi’s upside after acquiring him this summer.
But Hellebuyck presents a completely different opportunity. Edmonton has already made aggressive changes after a disappointing first-round playoff exit, including moving Darnell Nurse without retaining salary and revamping its defence and goaltending. If Hellebuyck is genuinely willing to come to Edmonton, Bowman has another decision to consider.
The Oilers don’t necessarily need another goalie. They need one of Jarry, Andersen or Levi to establish himself. But if one of the NHL’s most accomplished goaltenders is available and willing to join a team trying to win the Stanley Cup now, Edmonton would have plenty of reason to explore what it would take.
Next: Connor Hellebuyck to Montreal? It’s Not as Crazy as It Sounds
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