Story Summary
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been linked with the possibility of sitting out if he is not traded before the 2026-27 season. Dave Feschuk said a player who does not report to camp could be suspended without pay, while Marty Biron suggested Hellebuyck might be prepared to sit out for a year. Eight potential destinations have also been identified: Buffalo, New Jersey, Edmonton, Detroit, Vegas, Florida, San Jose and Chicago.
Key Facts
- Connor Hellebuyck is identified as a Winnipeg Jets goaltender; the image caption lists him as 33.
- Dave Feschuk said that a player who does not attend camp can be suspended without pay.
- Marty Biron suggested Hellebuyck might be willing to accept a suspension and sit out for a year, though this is not confirmation that he will do so.
- Eight teams were identified as possible clubs with some level of interest in Hellebuyck.
- The eight teams mentioned as potential landing spots are: Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks.
- The Bleacher Report breakdown for Buffalo suggested the Sabres could offer goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon or Colten Ellis; a young forward such as Konsta Helenius, Noah Östlund or Zach Benson; a prospect like Radim Mrtka, Adam Kleber or Daxon Rudolph; or a roster player like Jack Quinn or Josh Norris.
- For New Jersey, Bleacher Report suggested the Devils could include Dawson Mercer or Arseny Gritsyuk, prospects Lenni Hämeenaho, Seamus Casey or Anton Silayev, and goaltender Nico Daws.
- Edmonton was listed as a team that would “love a goalie like Hellebuyck” but the report called such a deal unlikely to put together.
- Edmonton was described as a club that would welcome a goaltender such as Hellebuyck, but as an unlikely trade to complete.
- Detroit was identified as a possible destination. Trey Augustine and other young NHL players were mentioned as potential trade pieces.
- Vegas was noted as a club facing possible waiver and salary-cap complications, with Adin Hill and Carter Hart raised as potential considerations.
- San Jose may have young prospects of interest, including Yaroslav Askarov, though the Sharks were described as unlikely to move Michael Misa, Ivar Stenberg or Sam Dickinson. Chicago was suggested as a possible fit with Spencer Knight as an ideal replacement, and prospects such as Oliver Moore, Roman Kantserov, Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel mentioned as potential pieces to interest Winnipeg.
IHM Discussion
The discussion has two strands: whether Hellebuyck would sit out if Winnipeg cannot complete a trade, and which clubs could assemble a credible offer. Feschuk outlined the potential consequence of a player not reporting to camp: suspension without pay. Biron went further, offering his view that Hellebuyck could be willing to step away for a season. That remains opinion rather than an indication from the goaltender himself.
Why It Matters
A prolonged absence by an established starting goaltender would leave Winnipeg with a major roster decision, while a trade would require another club to meet the Jets’ asking price. The range of teams identified reflects how differently clubs may value a proven starter, but no deal or preferred destination has been confirmed.
IHM Market Outlook
The eight-team list presents several different trade scenarios rather than one clear frontrunner. Buffalo and New Jersey were linked with a range of young players, prospects and goaltending options. Edmonton was described as an unlikely deal to complete, while Vegas faces potential salary and waiver complications. Florida’s recent acquisition of Jacob Markström was also identified as a barrier. San Jose and Chicago were linked with young talent, although limits were noted on the pieces they might be willing to move. These are proposed scenarios, not reported negotiations or offers.
Mini Q&A
Is it confirmed that Connor Hellebuyck will sit out if not traded?
No. Marty Biron suggested Hellebuyck might be willing to sit out, but there is no confirmation that he will refuse to report to camp.
Can the Jets withhold pay if a player refuses to attend camp?
Dave Feschuk said that a team can suspend a player who does not report to camp and would not pay that player while suspended.
Which teams were named as potential Hellebuyck destinations?
The eight teams identified as potential destinations were Buffalo, New Jersey, Edmonton, Detroit, Vegas, Florida, San Jose and Chicago.
Are there specific assets mentioned that Winnipeg might get in return?
Yes. Possible returns included Buffalo goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon or Colten Ellis, and young forwards such as Konsta Helenius, Noah Östlund or Zach Benson. Dawson Mercer and Arseny Gritsyuk were among the New Jersey players mentioned, while Spencer Knight was raised as a possible Chicago replacement. These were hypothetical possibilities, not confirmed offers.
What would provide clarity on the situation?
Clarity would come from Hellebuyck’s decision on reporting to camp or from a trade agreement. Neither has been confirmed.
Coach Mark Comment
A goaltending change of this scale affects far more than the crease. Winnipeg would need clarity on its available options before setting its early-season plan, while any acquiring club would have to establish how a new starter fits alongside its existing goaltenders. Until there is a transaction or a reporting decision, those questions remain hypothetical.
IHM Final View
There is no confirmed holdout, trade or destination for Hellebuyck. The possibility of a suspension was raised in commentary, while the eight-team list outlines potential fits and possible trade components rather than active negotiations. The key development will be whether Hellebuyck reports to camp and whether Winnipeg finds a deal it is prepared to make.