As you read this, Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen could be deep into trade talks again with Kevin Cheveldayoff, his counterpart in Winnipeg, trying to pry goalie Connor Hellebuyck away from the Jets.
On Thursday, Hellebuyck, 33, confirmed through a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, what had long been suspected: he wants to get the heck out of Winnipeg just two seasons into a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension.
Hellebuyck said he privately asked for a trade several months ago. With training camp a few weeks away, he wanted to publicly confirm his request.
“My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family,” he said. “… (I) hope a resolution can be reached soon.”
Kekalainen, according to Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman, tried to acquire the one-time Hart and three-time Vezina Trophy winner in late June.
Maybe the news reignited dialogue. Perhaps the veteran GMs never stopped talking. It’s also possible Kekalainen has moved on.
Hellebuyck would have to waive his no-trade clause to join Buffalo.
The idea of the Sabres, who lack a clear-cut No. 1 goalie, adding Hellebuyck is certainly intriguing. The American is barely 14 months removed from earning Hart and Vezina honors.
The Sabres enjoyed a breakout 109-point season in 2025-26, winning the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division and ending their NHL-record 14-year playoff drought.
They won 50 games while utilizing three goalies: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and rookie Colten Ellis.
For much of the season, Luukkonen, 27, and Lyon, 33, formed the NHL best’s tandem, often alternating starts. Both enjoyed nice moments and struggled in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Hellebuyck, a future Hall of Famer, could be an upgrade in net.
Still, the cost – both the assets the Sabres would send to Winnipeg and the money he’s owed over the remaining five years of his contract – outweighs the benefits for a team that has established itself as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
The graying Hellebuyck just endured his worst season, posting a career-low .895 save percentage, one point below the league average. His high-danger save percentage, .809, according to NHL Edge, was two points below the league average.
Yes, he backstopped Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in February at the Milano Cortina Games. But he accomplished that in a short tournament playing behind a stacked lineup. The grind of a marathon NHL season is a different animal.
Notable factors contributed to Hellebuyck’s weak (at least by his high standards) season. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in November and missed three weeks. He also played for one of the league’s worst teams.
The Jets missed the playoffs and mustered just 82 points last season, a 34-point drop after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25.
Hellebuyck’s goals-against average ballooned from 2.00 to 2.86 last season and his save percentage dropped 30 points after posting a career-high .925.
Luukkonen and Lyon posted better numbers last season in all of those categories.
Age and wear and tear might be the biggest factors in Hellebuyck decline last season. Goalies can thrive well into their 30s. Still, he has been run ragged over the years.
Since he broke into the NHL in 2015-16, he has played a league-high 625 games. The next-closest netminder, Andrei Vasilevskiy, has played 582 contests.
That heavy workload has possibly contributed to some of Hellebuyck’s poor playoff performances. Over his last three trips to the postseason, he has averaged an .872 save percentage. Not surprisingly, the Jets have only reached the second round once in that span.
Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million salary cap hit would be the Sabres’ second-highest, trailing only captain Rasmus Dahlin’s $11 million hit. If Hellebuyck can’t recapture his old form, that would be a tough number to absorb for years.
Right now, the Sabres’ three goalies have a combined cap hit of $7.1 million, with Luukkonen the highest at $4.75 million.
Let’s not forget a goalie, possibly Luukkonen, would likely be dealt to Winnipeg. While the Finn hasn’t emerged as the Sabres’ No. 1 for more than stretches, he still possesses upside and could grow into the undisputed starter.
The Sabres would also likely have to include a notable roster player and special prospects or high draft picks. The fourth overall pick, which the Sabres used to draft defenseman Daxon Rudolph on June 27, was reportedly in play earlier.
That would be a steep price for a goalie who could beginning an inevitable decline. The Sabres would be better off running it back with the same goalies in the upcoming season.