3 Potential Connor Hellebuyck Trade Destinations

Vezina trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is ready for his next chapter, as the star goaltender has gone public with his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets.

Hellebuyck released a statement on Thursday to clear the air and make things public, he has indeed asked for a trade, and it's rumored to have been originally submitted during his exit interview at the end of last season. So the question becomes - where does Hellebuyck land? Here's three teams to keep an eye on in the sweepstakes:

Pittsburgh Penguins

A true wildcard in all of this, as Hellebuyck hasn't been linked to the Penguins until recently. Kyle Dubas is trying hard to upgrade in net without giving a ton of future assets up, however, goalies like Hellebuyck don't hit the market very often. Arturs Silovs and Ben Kindel would be two big pieces heading to Winnipeg in the Pens' expected package.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs are closing in on a Cale Makar contract extension, and a trade with the Jets could be next. They'll offer Mackenzie Blackwood, but some wonder if Blackwood has the Jets on his no-trade list, which contains six teams. The Avs are 100% interested, but they'll be in tough to get the Jets to approve a deal that includes Blackwood, and several future considerations.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres seem like a favorite, as they've been linked to the Jets for months, and there was a reported deal very close dating back to the NHL Draft in June. The Sabres are likely going to offer Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and three of their top prospects, but apparently, the Jets kept asking for Josh Doan, but Buffalo wouldn't budge. Could Zach Benson be included? These two teams align as trade partners, we'll see which side caves in first. 

Sabres likely, Penguins potentially, and the Avs seem like a longshot. Add in the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks, and the Hellebuyck sweepstakes are going to be fun to watch.