Overview
- Multiple NHL insiders have renewed trade talk in early July with Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos naming the Buffalo Sabres as the most likely team to revisit a Hellebuyck deal.
- Winnipeg’s addition of veteran goalie Stuart Skinner after the 2026 draft created goaltending depth that teams see as insurance allowing the Jets to explore offers for Hellebuyck.
- Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million average annual cap hit and has a full no-movement clause, so any trade would require the player’s consent and careful salary-cap fitting by a suitor.
- Reported suitors include Buffalo, Carolina and Detroit, with the Vegas Golden Knights also mentioned, and draft-night talks reportedly included Winnipeg asking Buffalo about prospect Zach Benson.
- Hellebuyck’s down 2025–26 season and a thin market for veteran goalies mean his value is uncertain, so Winnipeg could either land a premium return and clear cap space or retain him if acceptable offers fail to materialize.