Rangers Could Hold the Key to a Connor Hellebuyck Trade

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Elliotte Friedman’s latest Saturday Headlines segment revealed an unexpected wrinkle in the Connor Hellebuyck trade saga. In a recent report on the Hellebuyck suspension being lifted and a possible trade outcome based on his ability to return to the team, Friedman notes that the New York Rangers could play a pivotal role. This despite having zero interest in actually acquiring him.

With Igor Shesterkin out for the season, New York does need goaltending help. But Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million price tag isn’t something the Rangers are willing to take on. Instead, Friedman suggested New York could make a separate goalie trade of its own, one that indirectly clears the path for another team to land Hellebuyck.

“I still think the Rangers could have a lot to say on what could happen here,” Friedman explained. “Not for Hellebuyck, but to make potentially another move that could open up the goalie market.” He also noted that Sportsnet colleague Frank Seravalli has confirmed real interest from the Kings, while Carolina has engaged in talks that haven’t yet produced a workable match.

How Would the Rangers Get Involved?

The Rangers might make a deal with a team that has already been linked to the Winnipeg Jets in trade discussion. Specifically, that could be Buffalo, Carolina, or Los Angeles.

As for who New York might target, the options include Carolina’s Brandon Bussi or Pyotr Kochetkov, Los Angeles’ Darcy Kuemper or Anton Forsberg, and Buffalo’s trio of Alex Lyon, Colten Ellis, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Luukkonen stands out as a name to watch — while he reportedly wouldn’t waive his no-move clause for a trade to Winnipeg, he could be open to joining the Rangers. That scenario could set off a chain reaction: New York trades for Luukkonen, Buffalo turns around and uses that return, plus more assets, to acquire Hellebuyck from the Jets.

The common thread among the Rangers’ targets is cost control. New York appears focused on cheaper, short-term options like Kochetkov or Bussi rather than taking on a long-term, high-dollar deal, which rules out Hellebuyck entirely.

Does Friday’s Suspension News Make a Hellebuyck Trade More Likely?

As for Hellebuyck himself, his suspension will end Friday, and with Winnipeg reportedly uninterested in a reunion, there’s growing belief the Jets could look to move him sooner rather than later. Friedman was careful to note Winnipeg won’t force a deal just for the sake of it, but the organization likely doesn’t want to keep paying him to sit away from the team.

However, much of the timing of a Hellebuyck trade could rest on the shoulders of the Rangers. They would have to first make their move. From there, it might spark what’s needed to get the broader goalie market moving.

Next: Connor Hellebuyck Returning to Jets? Things Are Getting Weird in Winnipeg