The speculation about the Winnipeg Jets, Kevin Cheveldayoff, and Connor Hellebuyck is growing. The rumor going around is that a trade involving Hellebuyck and the Buffalo Sabres was almost completed. Then talks stalled and now nothing is being reported. With the offseason getting shorter and talks of training camp getting louder, the best thing for Cheveldayoff to do is trade Hellebuyck now.
Training camp raises the urgency of a Connor Hellebuyck trade
While these rumors started months ago, there has been no action as of yet. However, the longer this ordeal drags on the more it hurts the team. Training camp starts soon and the regular season will be here before we know it. The longer this goes without a deal the more things intensify and become a distraction to the locker room. Hellebuyck has stated he would like a trade to Buffalo, and the Sabres have offered goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen as part of a massive trade. Luukkonen is younger and makes less money but is just as important to their team as Hellebuyck. The money saved by bringing in Luukkonen could be spent on other players who could be brought in.
The sooner a deal gets done the better it is for the Jets, Cheveldayoff, and the team he is moved to.This way the new players get adjusted to their new surroundings and teammates, having time to bond. However, the longer this goes without a deal the more tension grows inside the locker room before the season gets started.
Cheveldayoff has insisted he is open-minded about listening to offers to improve the organization. he also added "At the end of the day, we both chose to sign a seven-year extension... So again, as an organization you're incumbent, it's incumbent on me to listen, and then that's kind of what I've done up until this point." Hellebuyck stated he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to align with the Sabres if the two sides could find a common ground in a move.
How the Jets and Sabres could structure a Connor Hellebuyck trade
Hellebuyck is to be paid $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season. If the Jets pick up any percentage of that he will be easier to move. If that is a sticking point there is a possibility he will be in a Winnipeg sweater when the season begins.
If he is indeed moved to the Sabres it will surely not be Hellebuyck for Luukkonen and other pieces will be involved. From the Sabres standpoint, they have many unrestricted free agents after the 2026-27 season who could be part of a deal. Those players include forwards Jason Zucker, Justin Danforth, and Sam Carrick, defensemen Connor Timmins, Dennis Gilbert, and goaltenders Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis. The Sabres also have all of their first round picks through the 2030 NHL Draft.
Whether he is moved or not, Cheveldayoff has to come out with certainty and say either way if he is moving the star goaltender. This would be one less distraction for the season as the Jets look to get back to playoff hockey.
Is it possible that Cheveldayoff does in fact want to trade Hellebuyck and that is why he signed Stuart Skinner in free agency? Having Skinner and Luukkonen as the goaltending duo going into next season would not be a horrible idea. They both have had success in their careers with Skinner making two straight Stanley Cup final appearances.
Cheveldayoff needs to decide if he is riding with Hellebuyck or if he is going to move him and get a haul in return. Entering training camp, the Jets want to be focused and ready to go without distractions. Could Cheveldayoff's job be in jeopardy?
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