Insider Predicts Connor Hellebuyck Trade To Atlantic Division Team

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ,
The Connor Hellebuyck trade speculation is far from dead, but two big voices in the conversation aren't reading the situation the same way right now.

On NHL Network, EJ Hradek made his position clear. "I'm of the mind he's going to get traded. I'm of the mind I think he's going to get traded to Buffalo," Hradek said. "But as you like to say, Elliotte, there's no pressure right now, right? Like we're in early August, so I think they're bickering about what the price is. As we get closer, maybe they'll figure it out. Maybe they won't. What are you hearing?"

Elliotte Friedman's answer was: "I hear it's quiet, EJ. I think that, I'm with you, I still think he gets moved at some point in time, but I think right now, like I asked around today, and I'll be honest, I didn't get a lot. I was just told quiet, quiet."

A Deal That Already Nearly Happened Once

This isn't the first time the two sides have gotten close. 

Around the draft in late June, David Pagnotta reported the Sabres offered the fourth overall pick, a player believed to be Jack Quinn, and "perhaps another ask," but couldn't get it over the finish line. 

Friedman said at the time he thought any hope of a deal was dead once Buffalo used that fourth pick elsewhere, but added, "I heard it wasn't over. I think they're still talking about it."

Hellebuyck is 33, just posted the worst numbers of his career at .895 in 57 games, and is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.5 million cap hit. 

He also holds a full no-movement clause that doesn't expire until next July, when it converts to a 10-team trade list, giving him a lot of control over his own destination in the meantime.

Buffalo Isn't The Only Name In Play

Other suitors have surfaced as the summer has dragged on. 

The New Jersey Devils have been mentioned given their crowded but unproven goaltending group of Jake Allen, David Rittich, and Nico Daws, though Friedman has downplayed that fit specifically, writing, "I don't buy the New Jersey hype. It's not a contract that fits the profile of new GM Sunny Mehta." 

The Carolina Hurricanes have also been floated after losing Frederik Andersen to Edmonton in free agency, leaving Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov as their only proven options.

For now, both Hradek and Friedman agree that a trade eventually happens.

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