Story Summary
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has told the club he wants a change, prompting discussion about possible destinations. The Jets released a statement from general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff saying Hellebuyck has been open about his desire for a change and that the organisation is working through the situation, with no update at this time.
Florida was also raised during the conversation as a possible destination.
Key Facts
- The Winnipeg Jets said Connor Hellebuyck has been open with the club about his desire for a change.
- The Jets released a statement attributed to Kevin Cheveldayoff: ‘Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change. He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years, and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.’
- Florida was also mentioned during the discussion.
- Mike Rupp said a public stance from Hellebuyck could affect Winnipeg’s leverage in any potential move.
- Mike Johnson said Winnipeg would probably need a goaltender with term in any return, and pointed to Buffalo’s young players as assets that could fit the Jets’ needs.
- Mike Johnson said an $8.5 million figure would not necessarily be excessive for a goaltender of Hellebuyck’s calibre and suggested Carolina could make sense.
- Panel commentary suggested Utah could be an appealing market for an established No. 1 goaltender and that New Jersey could be interested despite cap and asset considerations.
- There is no confirmation of offers, an asking price, timing or a completed trade.
IHM Discussion
The Jets’ statement takes the matter beyond ordinary speculation: Hellebuyck has told the club he wants a change, although Winnipeg has announced no transaction. Florida came up during the conversation as another possibility.
The panel’s focus was on the challenge of any return. Johnson suggested Winnipeg would probably need a goaltender with term coming back, while Buffalo was highlighted for its young players. Rupp’s view was that a public stance from Hellebuyck could limit the Jets’ leverage, but no offers or negotiations were confirmed.
Why It Matters
Any move involving Hellebuyck would be significant for Winnipeg and for a club seeking greater certainty in goal. The discussion centred on teams with different roster and cap considerations, while the eventual return would shape the Jets’ next steps. For now, the only official update is that Winnipeg is working through the situation.
IHM Market Outlook
Any potential deal would have to account for cap space, term and the return Winnipeg seeks. Johnson suggested the Jets would probably want either a goaltender with term or young players under team control, and Buffalo was discussed in that context.
Mini Q&A
Has Connor Hellebuyck said he wants to leave Winnipeg?
The Jets said Hellebuyck has been open with them about his desire for a change. Kevin Cheveldayoff added that the club is working through the situation and has no update at this time.
Which teams were named as possible fits in the discussion?
Commentators also suggested the Florida Panthers as a potential destination.
Could Hellebuyck’s stance affect Winnipeg’s return?
Mike Rupp said it could affect Winnipeg’s leverage in a potential move. No offers or return values have been confirmed.
What kind of players might Winnipeg seek in return?
Mike Johnson suggested Winnipeg would probably want young players under team control or a goaltender with term coming back. He cited Buffalo’s young players as examples of the type of assets that could fit that profile.
Is there an official update on a trade from the Jets?
No. The Jets’ statement from Kevin Cheveldayoff said they continue to ‘work through the situation in a thoughtful manner’ and that there is ‘no update at this time.’
Coach Mark Comment
For any acquiring team, the fit would depend on more than the goaltender alone. Defensive detail, puck management and the ability to limit second chances all help a starter settle into a new environment. The proposed destinations differ in roster construction, so the price and the support in front of him would matter as much as the name on the jersey.
IHM Final View
Winnipeg has confirmed that Hellebuyck wants a change, but it has provided no update on a potential transaction. Buffalo, Carolina, Utah and New Jersey were among the teams discussed, with Florida also mentioned. There is no confirmation of offers, an asking price or a timeline.