4 Best Fits for Connor Hellebuyck Following His Trade Request

While Connor Hellebuyck has been in trade speculation for months now, some fans were still skeptical of the reporting and didn’t believe he actually wanted to leave the Winnipeg Jets. Surprisingly, the reports were proven to be correct as a statement was released on his behalf, clarifying that he privately requested a trade and is looking to be moved.

Statement from Connor Hellebuyck: pic.twitter.com/hW8sNw1LJi

— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) August 27, 2026

Now, fans have begun wondering which team will be landing one of the best goaltenders in the world today. There are some contenders, like the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, who could use Hellebuyck but either don’t have the assets or cap space to bring him in.

In this article, we take a look at the four best fits for Hellebuyck following his now-public trade request before training camp.

Carolina Hurricanes

The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, make a lot of sense for Hellebuyck. They will be trying to contend again this season, have the cap space to fit his entire deal, which could make a trade a little easier since it involves no retention from the Jets’ side, and have the assets that should entice the Jets to pull the trigger on a move.

Bringing in Hellebuyck likely means parting with Pyotr Kochetkov, which shouldn’t be an issue considering they will be replacing him with a superstar between the pipes, whether that means moving him back to the Jets in return or in a separate deal to make room for a tandem of Hellebuyck and Brandon Bussi.

A deal likely includes Alexander Nikishin, who needs a new contract and will be looking for a raise, a first-round pick in either 2027 or 2028, and a young NHL-ready player like Bradly Nadeau.

The Hurricanes bringing in Hellebuyck, without depleting their entire roster in a trade return, could be terrifying for the rest of the league.

Buffalo Sabres

This one seems obvious, but we’re going to talk about it anyways.

The Sabres and Jets reportedly had a deal close to completion earlier this offseason, but nothing came to fruition. While there are no indications the two teams have come close again, the Sabres still make sense as a fit for Hellebuyck.

Update: My understanding is that BUF's offer included the No. 4, a roster player, and a prospect but WPG was unwilling to include the No. 8.

As much as I may think WPG/BUF should be able to find a fit, my -current- expectation is that BUF keeps No. 4 and takes Malhotra if it can

— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) June 26, 2026

The Sabres aren’t considered top contenders right now, but a move for a superstar goaltender would change that in an instant. They have the assets as well, likely moving Jiri Kulich, a first-round pick, and another roster player, maybe Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen if he is willing to be traded to the Jets after all.

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks did a lot this offseason, adding some new players, extending their franchise cornertsone to a massive new long-term deal, and didn’t have to deplete their entire prospect pool to make that happen.

To land Hellebuyck, though, they may have to part with some serious assets.

The Sharks are in a position where they are ready to contend for a playoff spot. Adding Hellebuyck moves them from a fringe contender to a serious contender right away. Unfortunately, it likely comes at the expense of trading either Yaroslav Askarov or Joshua Ravensbergen, a future first-round pick, and one of Quentin Musty or Cameron Lund.

Utah Mammoth

Lastly, and perhaps one of the less discussed destinations, the Utah Mammoth.

The Mammoth have made it clear they are willing to do whatever it takes to contend this season, so being in the mix for Hellebuyck wouldn’t be a surprise. They did just bring in Sebastian Cossa, so he likely isn’t involved in any trade. Realistically, they move Karel Vejmelka, a future first-round pick, and another prospect like Daniil But.

The asking price for Hellebuyck likely shot down after his trade request was made public, considering the Jets lost a little leverage, but it is still going to cost quite a bit to bring him in. Whether it’s any of these four teams, or a surprise contender joins the mix and lands him, it is almost a guarantee that Hellebuyck will be on a new team for the 2026-27 season.

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