​Connor Hellebuyck may have stayed with the Winnipeg Jets through the 2026 NHL Draft, but trade talk surrounding the star goaltender remains very much alive. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Buffalo remains a legitimate destination if discussions resume.
Speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said talks between the Jets and Sabres have not completely faded. “I still think Winnipeg and Buffalo are talking. I don’t think that’s over yet,” Friedman said. “There felt like there was a lot of noise leading into the first round of the draft on Friday that, at some point that night, he could be moved.”
Friedman also revealed that Hellebuyck appeared ready to approve a move to Buffalo before the draft. “I had heard on Friday he was willing to waive to go to Buffalo,” Friedman said. “I don’t know if that was ever formally submitted, but I’m 100% convinced he was willing to waive to go to Buffalo.” Around the league, players like Dylan Larkin and Darnell Nurse have strictly given three-team lists to their teams. But Friedman added that the veteran’s preferred destinations were broader than many expected. “I think whatever list he gave, or whatever indication he gave, it wasn’t as restrictive as some of the other ones,” Friedman said.
Buffalo’s rise makes the Hellebuyck fit easy to understand. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck at Ball Arena. The Sabres’ ascent makes the potential move appealing. Friedman believes Hellebuyck’s willingness stemmed from Buffalo’s trajectory rather than geography. “I heard there were a few options, and the fact that he was willing to go to Buffalo indicated to me it was exactly as we’d talked about,” Friedman said. “He wanted a team he thought would be a consistent contender over the next three years.” That assessment mirrors Buffalo’s rapid turnaround. The Sabres captured the Atlantic Division after ending their 14-season playoff drought, establishing themselves as one of the league’s fastest-rising teams. A core led by Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson gives the organization a solid competitive foundation.
From Winnipeg’s viewpoint, patience still makes sense. Hellebuyck remains one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders despite a difficult 2025-26 season. Team struggles contributed to his decline, though his Olympic gold-medal performance for Team USA showed he can still dominate behind a structured defensive group. The biggest obstacle remains Winnipeg’s asking price. Reports suggest the Jets continue seeking a first-round pick and premium assets in return. That is a steep cost, even for a proven franchise goaltender.
If Buffalo believes its championship window is opening, paying that price becomes easier to justify. Friedman’s comments suggest Hellebuyck would welcome the opportunity, leaving the next move to the teams involved.