New York Rangers

Rangers, Mammoth, and Jets Working on 3-Team Trade Involving Hellebuyck?

Could the New York Rangers, Utah Mammoth, and Winnipeg Jets be working o a three-team trade involving Hellebuyck?

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 20, 2026

A possible goalie domino effect is being discussed as part of the latest Connor Hellebuyck trade buzz. While everyone waits to see if the goaltender is traded by the Winnipeg Jets, one report suggests there are rumblings involving the Jets, Utah Mammoth, and New York Rangers.

According to reporter Stephen Valiquette, Karel Vejmelka’s name is being linked frequently to the New York Rangers. If Vejmelka lands in New York, Connor Hellebuyck would go to Utah to fill the void. The insider said that scenario is the one he is hearing more than any other involving New York.

"I'm hearing Vejmelka's name a lot being linked to the Rangers. Hellebuyck, by way of Vejmelka coming to New York, would be going to Utah."@VallysView chatted with @RealKyper and @jtbourne about the possibility of a deal between the Jets, Mammoth, and the Rangers ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0MM4cNEW3L
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 20, 2026

For the deal to work, it would have to be a fit for all three teams, which would make a potential Hellebuyck move very unique. Vejmelka’s contract — $4.75 million for this season and the next three — is a somewhat expensive add for the Rangers, but not so bad that it would stop New York from engaging in trade conversations. It’s a tight fit to have more than $15 million on the books in goal, but Valiquette didn’t think it was impossible.

Vejmelka was praised as a “game eater” who can play now and in the future, and who carried Utah on his own at times. He would make for a great backup/1B option. The insider compared the idea of a tandem to Dominik Hasek and Cujo (Curtis Joseph) in Detroit, noting that teams find a way to make these things work.

The talk comes as Rangers Dylan Garand is being overplayed because the team has no choice but to keep putting him in net. Garand has played 10 career NHL games, but just played his sixth in a row. For now, the Rangers’ team defense is the best he has seen in three years, limiting high-danger chances and time and space. The question becomes, how long will it last? And when it doesn’t, what does that mean for Garand?

Is Vejmelka the answer? If he is, will Hellebuyck being open to going to Utah?

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