Connor Hellebuyck’s public trade request could become the first domino to fall for the Winnipeg Jets. Winnipeg missed the 2026 playoffs only one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, raising questions about the direction of the organization.
If the Jets grant Hellebuyck’s request and trade their franchise goaltender, Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey could begin reconsidering their futures in Winnipeg. Neither player has requested a trade, but moving Hellebuyck could signal that the Jets’ current championship window is closing.
That possibility creates an enormous “Would You Do It?” proposal involving the Edmonton Oilers.
The Trade
Edmonton Oilers receive:
Winnipeg Jets receive:
- Jake Walman
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
- Spencer Stastney
- Isaac Howard
- 2028 first-round pick
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2029 conditional second-round pick
Why the Oilers Would Do It
The Oilers would be adding two elite players capable of dramatically strengthening their Stanley Cup window.
Scheifele is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, recording 36 goals and 103 points in 82 games. His arrival would give Edmonton another legitimate top-line centre behind Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He could centre the second line whenever Draisaitl moves onto McDavid’s wing or potentially play on the wing himself. Scheifele carries an $8.5 million cap hit through 2030-31.
Morrissey would address Edmonton’s need for another high-end, puck-moving defenceman. He registered 14 goals and 55 points in 77 games last season while averaging significant minutes in every situation. His $6.25 million cap hit through 2027-28 is excellent value for a legitimate top-pairing defenceman.
An Edmonton core featuring McDavid, Draisaitl, Scheifele, Morrissey and Evan Bouchard would be extremely difficult to contain. The cost would hurt, especially losing Howard, but acquiring two stars would give the Oilers their best possible opportunity to win immediately.
Why the Jets Would Do It
Hellebuyck confirmed that he privately requested a trade several months ago, while the Jets acknowledged his desire for a change. Losing him could push Winnipeg toward a substantial retool instead of trying to preserve an aging core.
Howard would be the centrepiece of Winnipeg’s return. The former Hobey Baker Award winner possesses legitimate top-six upside and could become an important part of the Jets’ next competitive core. Spencer Stastney adds a younger NHL defenceman, while multiple first round picks gives Winnipeg another valuable future assets.
Nugent-Hopkins would provide leadership, defensive responsibility and special-teams value. Walman could immediately occupy a top-four role and help prevent Winnipeg’s defence from completely collapsing following Morrissey’s departure.
Would You Do It?
Contract protection and Edmonton’s limited cap flexibility would make this complicated. Winnipeg might also demand another premium pick or prospect because Scheifele and Morrissey are coming off excellent seasons.
Still, if Edmonton wants to maximize McDavid and Draisaitl’s prime years, this is the type of all-in trade it must consider. Winnipeg receives immediate NHL help, a premium prospect and future draft capital, while the Oilers assemble arguably the NHL’s most talented core.
Would you make this blockbuster trade?
Next: Flyers’ Monster Offer for Oilers’ Connor McDavid — Would You Accept?
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