2026 NHL Draft Rumors Center on Hellebuyck and Robertson Moves

Buffalo Sabres hold the fourth overall pick as leverage in talks for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

Sabres Position Themselves for Hellebuyck Acquisition

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Buffalo Sabres have already spoken with the Winnipeg Jets about acquiring 33-year-old goalie Connor Hellebuyck. The Sabres possess the fourth overall selection in the 2026 NHL draft and view it as a prime asset to complete a deal. LeBrun separately noted interest from the Florida Panthers but questioned whether they would surrender center Anton Lundell to match the asking price.

Frank Seravalli of Hockey 24/7 stated that the Carolina Hurricanes submitted a formal offer package this week that included defenseman Alexander Nikishin. Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff rejected the bid because it fell short of his valuation. Cheveldayoff continues to field calls yet has not received a package that meets his threshold.

The Sabres’ fourth-overall pick gives them a concrete advantage over other suitors because it represents immediate high-end talent. Winnipeg’s willingness to listen without an accepted offer keeps the door open for Buffalo to improve its bid before draft weekend concludes. The 33-year-old Hellebuyck’s age and contract status make the timing ideal for a move that resets Winnipeg’s goaltending pipeline.

Robertson Turns Down Seattle Offer and Eyes New Team

Dallas Stars management received permission to negotiate with 26-year-old left winger Jason Robertson and presented an eight-year contract averaging $15 million per season. Robertson declined the offer from the Seattle Kraken and appears to have played his final game in a Stars uniform. As a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, Robertson holds significant leverage in upcoming negotiations.

The rejection of the Seattle proposal narrows Robertson’s immediate options while increasing the likelihood of a trade before or during the draft. Dallas must now decide whether to retain him at a higher salary or extract assets from another club. The eight-year term and $15 million AAV figure set a new benchmark that other teams will reference when constructing offers.

Draft Weekend Timeline Shapes Remaining Deals

Rangers general manager Chris Drury continues to seek a young NHL player in return for Vincent Trocheck while the Blues explore Mason McTavish with four first-round picks available. The sequence of events matters because Drury may wait for Detroit to move Dylan Larkin before finalizing a Trocheck transaction. These interconnected talks create a narrow window that closes once the 2026 draft begins on June 26.

Cheveldayoff’s decision on Hellebuyck will influence how many assets the Jets can accumulate before selecting at their own draft position. Buffalo’s fourth-overall pick remains the highest-value chip still in play for a proven starter. Any agreement reached by June 29 would allow both clubs to finalize rosters ahead of the draft floor.