'Out Of Left Field' Team Enters Hellebuyck Chase

Thursday, October 08, 2026 ,

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Connor Hellebuyck is already down $156,000 after Wednesday night's contest for the Winnipeg Jets. He's surrendering $39,000 a game for his holdout while the Jets play on—undefeated—with two new goaltenders who are doing more than fine thus far. A stunning 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche has them at 3-0-1.

The three-time Vezina Trophy winner wants a trade, but the Jets aren't going to just give him away. They're waiting for a return that will help them continue to win this season. The American-born Hellebuyck is open to plenty of contending situations, all in the U.S., of course. And while names like the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres continue to be the most-rumored destinations, with the Utah Mammoth in the mix as well, another team, this one from the "left coast," just might come out of "left field", per insider David Pagnotta. 

Speaking on the DFO Insider with Jeff Marek, Pagnotta postulated about another team we haven't heard much about entering the fray. 
There's always that left-field team that kinda enters the mix. I'm really wondering about the LA Kings because I know there's some question marks internally about (Darcy) Kuemper's ability to run the full season. I think (Kings young forward Alex) Laferriere would probably be part of that (trade return for Winnipeg). I wonder, I really do, about Los Angeles entering the mix on Hellebuyck a little more seriously.

For the Kings, Kuemper has logged 50+ starts in four of the last five seasons, and now in his age-36 campaign, it's reasonable for them to wonder how much he has left in the tank, as Pagnotta alluded to. Especially considering the way he finished last season, and has so far started this season (0-2-0 with an .831 save percentage).

He took a hit to the head during a game against the Dallas Stars last December and missed two and a half weeks, before another collision knocked him out of a game in January. His performance the rest of the season left much to be desired, as he posted an .867 save percentage post-All-Star break. 

Could the Kings enter the bidding for Connor Hellebuyck?

Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is under no pressure to make a move with Hellebuyck. Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson have led the team to a 3-0-1 record in their first four games, tops in the Central Division.

We'll see if the Kings join the Canes, Sabres and Mammoth as true suitors for the U.S. Olympic Gold Medal-winning goalie.  


 

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