Former NHL Goalie Suggests Hellebuyck Could Sit Out The Season

The Connor Hellebuyck situation drags on, after he made his trade request public this past week. The Winnipeg Jets were notified months ago, but nothing has transpired as of yet. 

Former NHL netminder Martin Biron, now an analyst on TSN, says he wouldn't be surprised if the three-time Vezina Trophy winner sat out the whole season if the Jets don't grant him his trade wish.  

Martin Biron suggests that G Connor Hellebuyck would be willing to sit out the entire 2026-27 season if his trade request demands aren’t met. pic.twitter.com/rcIBSmCpw9

— The Mug NHL (@TheMugNHL) August 31, 2026

When presented with the possibility that Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could just say to his All-Star goalie, 'You signed a contract, and if you don't want to come to camp, that's fine, but we're not paying you,' Biron suggested that Hellebuyck could just sit it out then. Even for the whole season.

I really feel that Connor Hellebuyck's going to say, 'Okay, that's fine. Like, suspend me, whatever. I'm willing to sit out a year. I've made good money. I put it away. I'm okay for the year. Just going to take time with my family'. I think Hellebuyck is prepared for that.

At the same time, Biron does not hold back in what he thinks the Jets should ask for in return for the best goalie in hockey. 

He feels that Winnipeg should be asking for a first-round pick, a high-end prospect, an impact player and another legit NHL player in return. He also suggests that they should strongly consider getting a goalie back as well to pair with Stuart Skinner, who they signed in free agency earlier this summer. 

Reports are that Hellebuyck is willing to waive his no-trade clause for an expansive list of teams (unlike, for example, Dylan Larkin, or some others in recent seasons), so Cheveldayoff should have some options to draw from. 

But if he refuses to pull the trigger on a deal, we could see an already troublesome situation get even uglier before this is all said and done.