Winnipeg Jets Rumors: Hellebuyck Trade Buzz Picking Up Around NHL

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuyck has experienced the ultimate thrill of an Olympic Gold Medal. Now he has his sights set on a Stanley Cup. But from the sounds of his exit interview after the Winnipeg Jets were sent home at the end of the regular season, he's getting frustrated with where the team is, calling this season "unacceptable."

If you haven't seen his reaction when asked whether he'd reconsider his future in Winnipeg, you must watch the agonizing pain he demonstrated while trying to answer.

Now, according to insider David Pagnotta, speaking on the DFO Rundown, the vultures are starting to circle a bit around Winnipeg and around the three-time Vezina Trophy winner.

There is a lot of chatter now... There are a lot of people around the league now that are starting to talk, and there's a lot of speculation that there may be an opportunity, there may be a play to make for Connor Hellebuyck...
I'm not saying the Jets are trying to trade him, that's not the case. They love him... But there are teams, and there are some people across the league that believe there might be an opportunity to explore it. To me, that means that Winnipeg would listen.

Hellebuyck has five years to run on his seven-year deal with an $8.5 million AAV. And he has full control of the situation, with a full no-movement clause. That does change to a 10-team approved trade list, which kicks in July 1, 2027.

With a Hart Trophy, two Jennings, and the three Vezinas, Hellebuyck is undoubtedly the beating heart of the Jets, and it would take a massive offer to even get them not to hang up the phone. But with players starting more and more to ask out of situations they're not happy in, even while under contract, who knows where this could go?

The Jets underachieved significantly this season, and as a result, Helly posted numbers that were below his norm, with a career-low .895 save percentage, and a 23-23-11 record—his first time not above .500 in his 11 NHL seasons.