San Jose Sharks Reject Winnipeg Jets Trade Offer
The Winnipeg Jets have been trying to trade goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for months, and haven't been able to find a deal they like. Hellebuyck demanded a trade during his exit interview after last season, and if he's moved at some point early on, it sounds like there's been plenty of back and forth with the San Jose Sharks.
While there's certainly been plenty of discussions between the two clubs, the Jets are asking for young center Michael Misa in the trade package, which is something Sharks' general manager Mike Grier isn't interested in. The offers from the Jets continue to be rejected, as the two sides continue to have dialogue leading into the season openers next week.
The San Jose Sharks have reportedly "kicked tires" on a potential trade for Connor Hellebuyck, per @FriedgeHNIC 👀
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) September 24, 2026
Although it is unclear which team initiated the talks, Friedman believes San Jose makes a lot of sense as a landing spot for the netminder, given that their window… pic.twitter.com/zDXLDQfy2z
Hellebuyck, 33, has five years left on his contract at just over $8 million, and considering the kind of contracts that have been handed out lately, that's a great value contract for a potential Vezina trophy winner. Hellebuyck owns a full no-movement clause until July, when that changes to a 10-team approved trade list. It's been widely documented he prefers to play in the USA, but is apparently open to joining the Montreal Canadiens.
As for the Sharks, they'll start the season, barring a trade, with Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic as their tandem, with former Jets' prospect Eric Comrie as their third-stringer. Comrie's signed for two years on a one-way contract at $1.1 million AAV, so there's certainly a lot of uncertainty how the Sharks' crease will play out the next week.
For now, Hellebuyck remains suspended by the Jets, and talks with the Sharks continue.