Story Summary
Connor Hellebuyck has publicly requested a trade, and Elliotte Friedman outlined why completing a deal before training camp could be complicated. Friedman said some packages available earlier in the summer or at the draft may no longer be available. He cited Florida, where part of a potential package had been moved to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk trade, and Buffalo, where the fourth overall pick had been a key element of discussions.
Friedman also noted that no-trade lists usually change on 1 July, potentially affecting which players are available. He said Winnipeg has Stuart Skinner after signing him in free agency but would need another goaltender if Hellebuyck were moved. The central question, Friedman said, is whether the Jets see an offer strong enough to accept and what pressure, if any, they feel to act.
Key Facts
- Connor Hellebuyck publicly asked to be traded, as discussed by Elliotte Friedman.
- Elliotte Friedman said offers available earlier in the summer or at the draft are no longer all available.
- Part of Florida’s package that interested the Jets was moved to Ottawa in the trade for Brady Tkachuk, complicating Florida as a suitor.
- Friedman said Buffalo discussions had involved the fourth overall pick as a key part of a potential deal.
- No-trade protections typically change on July 1 for most players; Friedman cited this as a complicating factor.
- Winnipeg signed Stuart Skinner in free agency and will need another goaltender if Hellebuyck is traded, according to Friedman.
- The Jets’ willingness to wait for an offer that helps them remain competitive was raised as a factor in the situation.
- Other teams named as possible Hellebuyck destinations include the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights.
- Friedman said making a deal before the season and training camp would be preferable but that the situation is complicated and dependent on what pressure, if any, Winnipeg feels.
IHM Discussion
The public trade request puts further focus on a situation that Friedman described as complicated. His central point was practical: the market has changed since the draft and early summer, with assets that may once have formed part of a package no longer available.
Florida and Buffalo illustrate that difficulty. Friedman said part of a potential Florida package had since gone to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk trade, while the fourth overall pick had been central to Buffalo discussions. No-trade lists changing on 1 July may also alter which players can be included in a deal.
Winnipeg must also consider its own crease. Friedman said the Jets have Stuart Skinner but would need another goaltender if Hellebuyck is traded. A pre-camp move remains possible, but it would require an offer that works for Winnipeg as well as a willing trading partner.
Why It Matters
Trading an established starting goaltender would reshape Winnipeg’s roster planning. Any Hellebuyck deal would need to address both the return and the Jets’ remaining goaltending options, particularly if they require another netminder alongside Skinner. The timing also matters: a move before training camp would give both clubs more time to prepare their rosters.
IHM Market Outlook
Friedman characterised the market as complicated by changed circumstances. Florida may no longer have the same assets available, Buffalo’s earlier discussions were tied to the fourth overall pick, and no-trade-list changes can affect potential packages. New Jersey, Carolina, San Jose, Utah and Vegas were also named as possible options, but no deal or confirmed level of interest was reported. Winnipeg’s need for another goaltender in a Hellebuyck trade is an important part of the calculation.
Mini Q&A
Has Connor Hellebuyck asked to be traded?
Yes – as discussed, Connor Hellebuyck has gone public with a request to be traded.
Why have earlier trade packages become harder to assemble?
Elliotte Friedman said some packages available earlier in the summer are no longer available because teams have moved assets, including elements Florida traded to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk deal, and because draft-related pieces have shifted.
Which teams are mentioned as possible Hellebuyck destinations?
Florida, Buffalo, New Jersey, Carolina, San Jose, Utah and Vegas were all mentioned in connection with the Hellebuyck market.
How does no-trade protection affect the situation?
Friedman noted that no-trade lists typically change on July 1 for most players, which can remove previously available players from potential packages and complicate trades.
What has Winnipeg done to address goaltending already?
Friedman pointed out the Jets signed Stuart Skinner in free agency, meaning they will still need another goaltender if Hellebuyck is moved.
Will the Jets rush a deal because the request went public?
The discussion suggested Winnipeg may wait for an offer that helps the club remain competitive rather than act solely because the request is public.
Coach Mark Comment
A goaltending change affects more than the depth chart. If Winnipeg moves Hellebuyck, the coaching staff would need clarity on its tandem and early-season workload, particularly while integrating another netminder.
What Comes Next
The next milestones listed are 19 September, when pre-season games begin, and 29 September, Regular Season Opening Night.
IHM Final View
Hellebuyck’s request is public, but Friedman’s assessment suggests the path to a deal remains complicated. Moved assets, changing no-trade lists and Winnipeg’s need to maintain its goaltending options all shape the discussion. A trade before training camp remains possible if the Jets receive an acceptable offer.