Three potential NHL trade fits for Jets' Connor Hellebuyck

The Winnipeg Jets endured a frustrating 2025-26 season, missing the playoffs after a Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign the year prior. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient, posted career-worst numbers with a .895 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average over 57 games.[1][2] In his end-of-season exit interview, he didn’t mince words: “What we did this year was unacceptable. No one wants to be part of that.”[3][4]

Hellebuyck emphasized the need for change to contend for the Stanley Cup, stating, “Something’s gotta happen” to avoid complacency.[5] While no active trade discussions have surfaced, his no-move clause and five years remaining on his $8.5 million cap-hit contract make him a prime target if the Jets opt for a rebuild or retool.[6] Several contenders could benefit from his elite talent, especially after his gold medal performance with Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers, fresh off injury-plagued campaigns, could view Hellebuyck as the long-term solution in net if Sergei Bobrovsky departs as a free agent this summer. Bobrovsky’s expiring deal carried a higher cap hit than Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million, offering Florida some relief while securing a Vezina-caliber starter through 2030.[7] Hellebuyck’s regular-season dominance—highlighted by a .925 save percentage in 2024-25—pairs perfectly with Florida’s suffocating defense and stars like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk.

Florida’s appeal lies in its status as a free-agent destination, easing no-trade concerns for players like Hellebuyck. Despite lacking first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, the Panthers boast trade assets such as young forwards and veterans attractive to Winnipeg. A package might include the 2026 ninth-overall pick, prospects like Mackie Samoskevich, and a player like Carter Verhaeghe to match salaries and value.[7]

This move would extend Florida’s contention window deep into the decade, blending Hellebuyck’s international pedigree—he allowed just one goal in the Olympic final—with their Cup-winning core. Critics point to his playoff save percentage (.903 career), but his recent Olympic heroics suggest he’s peaking at the right time.

The Panthers’ bold history, including their 2024 Stanley Cup, aligns with paying a king’s ransom for Hellebuyck. Winnipeg would gain draft capital and youth to accelerate a reset, while Florida solidifies goaltending beyond Bobrovsky’s tandem days.

• Pros for Florida: Cost-controlled elite goalie, cultural fit in contender, cap flexibility.
• Cons: Playoff concerns, high trade cost depleting prospects.
• Historical parallel: Florida’s acquisition of Bobrovsky in 2019 transformed their crease.

Ultimately, Hellebuyck could make the Panthers the NHL’s most feared team, keeping their dynasty alive.[7]

Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton’s goaltending woes persisted in 2025-26 despite acquiring Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh, a move that ultimately backfired. Backup Connor Ingram showed flashes but enters free agency, leaving Stuart Skinner as the unproven starter for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s Cup chase. Hellebuyck represents the missing elite piece, capable of stealing series in May and June.

Creativity would be key for Edmonton, strapped by cap constraints with McDavid and Draisaitl’s megadeals. Packaging Jarry, prospects, and conditional picks might entice Winnipeg, especially if Hellebuyck waives his clause for a proven contender. His Hart Trophy pedigree and Olympic gold could finally deliver Edmonton’s first championship.

The Oilers’ offensive firepower—led by the dynamic duo—would mask any rust from Hellebuyck’s down year, much like how he elevated Winnipeg previously. At 33, he’s entering his prime with five years of team control, aligning with Edmonton’s window.

However, trading for him demands shedding salary and assets, potentially including Jeff Skinner or picks. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would demand a haul reflecting Hellebuyck’s value, comparable to recent goalie deals like Linus Ullmark’s.[8]

• Key assets Edmonton could offer: Jarry + 2026 first-rounder + prospect.
• Fit benefits: Stabilizes net for McDavid’s legacy push.
• Risks: Cap crunch, Hellebuyck’s recent .895 SV%.

A Hellebuyck-Oilers union could end decades of heartbreak in Alberta. Edmonton Oilers

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey has chased contention since their 2022-23 third-place finish but faltered with inconsistent goaltending. Jacob Markstrom’s $6 million extension begins next season, yet his shaky 2025-26 prompts exploration of upgrades. Hellebuyck, with his superstar resume, would elevate a core featuring Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt.

Clearing cap space is essential—potentially via buyouts or trades—but Hellebuyck’s value justifies the effort. Reports suggest mutual interest, with Hellebuyck open to a long-term Devils deal.[web:4 from earlier, but use 4? Wait, searches have [web:4]]

The Devils’ youth, including Luke Hughes and Dawson Mercer, pairs with Hellebuyck’s experience for immediate impact. His no-move clause requires buy-in, but New Jersey’s trajectory matches his Cup ambitions: “The only thing left for me is a Stanley Cup.”[9]

Winnipeg could extract high-end prospects like Simon Nemec or picks, rebooting around emerging talent. For New Jersey, it’s an all-in bet on ending their drought.

Challenges include Markstrom’s contract and depth needs, but Hellebuyck’s track record—three Vezinas—outweighs risks.

• Devils’ strengths: Skilled forwards, improving defense.
• Trade hurdles: Cap maneuvering.
• Upside: Instant contender status.

New Jersey Devils

Hellebuyck’s future hinges on Jets’ offseason moves. A trade would net a massive return, signaling a pivot, while retention demands roster upgrades. As GM Cheveldayoff noted, Hellebuyck’s fire is elite—channeling it toward contention will define Winnipeg’s path.[10] Watch for developments at the 2026 draft; his name could dominate headlines.