Report: Buffalo Sabres Pushing Hard to Acquire Connor Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuyck wants out of Winnipeg and from multiple sources close to the situation, there's starting to see some traction in trade talks, specifically between the Jets and the Buffalo Sabres.

Yes, these two teams should have just got this deal done weeks ago at the NHL Draft back in June, but that wasn't the case at all, and now talks have been revisited. From one insider, it sounds like the Sabres are pushing hard to get a deal complete before training camps open. 

David Pagnotta: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade request: I think Buffalo would still like to make this happen - The Sheet (8/31)

The Sabres have a boatload of options for trade packages, it's just going to depend what their new management group values moving forward. There's also the fact that goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has a five-team no-trade list, and there's certainly some potential that Winnipeg is on his new fly zone. However, if the team approaches him that they'd like to acquire Hellebuyck, perhaps he gives in for a chance to take over the starter's crease in Winnipeg ahead of Stuart Skinner.

As far as other trade pieces go, the Sabres reportedly want to have the package centered around UPL and a couple of former first-round picks, who haven't exactly panned out quite yet, instead of sending one of Josh Doan or Zach Benson in the deal. Jiri Kulich and Konsta Helenius are two forwards to keep an eye on here, as there's certainly some potential that both are included in this trade. And, expect to see one high draft pick heading to Winnipeg in the deal.

The Sabres and Jets are talking again. Hellebuyck wants to move on before next season, and while there's still plenty of work to do, a trade does sound closer than ever at this point.