Tag: Connor Hellebuyck

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 12, 2026, 18:06 CEST

Story Summary

Connor Hellebuyck is reportedly considering a return to the Winnipeg Jets while his trade standoff with the club continues. The goaltender has been away from the team and is holding out, according to David Pagnotta, who said there had been growing chatter around a possible change in Hellebuyck’s position.

That possibility is not presented as an agreed return or a completed resolution. Pagnotta’s reporting suggested that Hellebuyck wants to play, but also indicated that some Jets players are not enthusiastic about welcoming him back after his absence. Any return would therefore involve more than simply restoring a goaltender to the group.

Key Facts

• On October 10, David Pagnotta said Connor Hellebuyck was considering returning to the Winnipeg Jets amid the continuing trade standoff.
• Pagnotta said Hellebuyck had left the team and was holding out.
• Pagnotta said early indications from people he had spoken to were that some Jets players were not overly pleased by the prospect of Hellebuyck rejoining the room.
• Pagnotta compared the situation with Dylan Larkin’s trade request only to stress that he viewed the circumstances as different.
• Reportedly, Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson have been playing in goal for Winnipeg during Hellebuyck’s absence.
• Kyle Connor was reported to have said that Hellebuyck would need to return in the right mindset and with the intention of helping the team win.

IHM Discussion

The important distinction is between a player considering a return and a player having returned. There is no confirmation here that Hellebuyck has ended his holdout, rejoined the Jets or reached a resolution over his future. The current development is the reported possibility that he may reconsider remaining away from the club.

Pagnotta framed the practical issue in simple terms: an NHL goaltender can train independently, but game readiness is harder to replicate away from a team environment and training camp. He referenced Jeremy Swayman’s previous absence from camp as an example of how a disrupted preparation period can affect a goaltender’s season. That comparison does not establish how Hellebuyck would perform, but it explains why playing again may carry urgency from the player’s perspective.

For Winnipeg, the greater complication is relational. Pagnotta reported unease within the dressing room about a return after Hellebuyck left the club expecting a trade. That is a reported view, not a universal verdict on the room, but it puts communication at the centre of any reunion. Reportedly, potentially awkward and uncomfortable conversations as part of the process.

The report’s reference to Larkin is useful only as context for why the situations should not be treated alike. Pagnotta’s view was that Larkin had remained present after asking for a trade, whereas Hellebuyck had held out. Whether Hellebuyck returns or remains away, that difference shapes the immediate discussion around accountability and reintegration.

Why It Matters

Hellebuyck’s status matters because it affects both Winnipeg’s goaltending picture and the wider trade market. A return would not automatically settle his longer-term future, while a continued absence would leave the standoff unresolved.

That means any movement involving Hellebuyck would need to be handled against an existing goaltending set-up rather than in isolation. Just as importantly, the reported discomfort among some players means the human side of a potential return cannot be separated from the hockey decision.

There is no sourced basis to judge Hellebuyck’s eventual form, but a delayed return would leave less opportunity to rebuild daily routines and timing within a team setting.

IHM Market Outlook

The market signal is not a confirmed transaction but renewed uncertainty around Hellebuyck’s availability. Pagnotta reported that a return to Winnipeg was beginning to circulate as a possibility across the league, even as the trade standoff remained in place.

That leaves several matters unresolved: whether Hellebuyck actually chooses to return, whether the Jets would still pursue a trade, and how the club would manage a return after the reported reaction inside the room. No destination, trade package, contract change or timeline for a move was reported.

It should therefore be treated as contract context rather than evidence that a particular deal is close.

Mini Q&A

Has Connor Hellebuyck returned to the Winnipeg Jets?

No. He is reportedly considering a return, but there is no confirmation that he has rejoined the Jets or ended his holdout.

Why is a return being discussed?

David Pagnotta said Hellebuyck wants to play and that extended time away from an NHL team is difficult, particularly for a goaltender.

What has been reported about the Jets dressing room?

Pagnotta said people he had spoken to indicated that some players were not overly thrilled by the possibility of Hellebuyck returning after leaving the team.

Is a Hellebuyck trade close?

No completed trade or imminent deal was reported. The trade standoff remains unresolved.

Coach Mark Comment

For a goaltender, time away from the daily team environment is not merely a question of fitness. The position depends on tracking, reads and consistent work with defenders, all of which are sharpened through regular practice and games. If Hellebuyck does return, the immediate coaching challenge would be to restore those habits while ensuring the group has clarity about expectations. That does not determine his level of play, but it explains why the reintegration process would matter as much as the transaction itself.

IHM Final View

This remains a report of a possible shift, not confirmation that Connor Hellebuyck is back with Winnipeg. The central development is that he is said to be weighing a return because he wants to play, despite a trade standoff that has kept him away from the Jets.

Any meaningful next step would need to clarify his status with the club and address the reported concerns within the dressing room. Until then, the story is defined by uncertainty: Hellebuyck’s possible return has entered the conversation, but no final resolution has been reported.

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 11, 2026, 16:29 CEST

Story Summary

Buffalo could return to the Connor Hellebuyck conversation if Winnipeg’s price falls, according to Elliotte Friedman, who said the Sabres had previously shown interest and came close to acquiring the Jets goaltender.

Friedman also said Hellebuyck would waive to join Buffalo, but stopped well short of reporting a renewed bid or an agreed trade. His point was conditional: if Buffalo decides its current goaltending is not strong enough, it could be the club that elects to move again.

The reported dynamic is being shaped by Winnipeg’s start without Hellebuyck. Friedman said the Jets had opened 3-1-1, having initially been 3-0-1, and argued that those results leave Winnipeg without extra urgency to force a resolution. He suggested a further potential change in the market: if the Jets conclude they can manage with Skinner and Clay Stevenson, they may no longer need to receive a goaltender in any Hellebuyck return.

That remains a possibility rather than a completed development. No fresh Buffalo offer, trade package or timetable was detailed.

Key Facts

• Elliotte Friedman suggested Buffalo could re-enter the Connor Hellebuyck market if Winnipeg’s price drops.
• Friedman said Buffalo had been interested in Hellebuyck and had previously come close to acquiring him.
• According to Friedman, Hellebuyck would waive to go to Buffalo.
• Friedman said Winnipeg had started 3-1-1 without Hellebuyck after first opening 3-0-1.
• Friedman said the Jets do not feel added urgency around the situation.
• He suggested Winnipeg could reassess its need to acquire a goaltender in a Hellebuyck trade if it believes Skinner and Clay Stevenson can make the situation work.
• Friedman noted that Stevenson had already earned a win, including in a difficult back-to-back in Pittsburgh.

IHM Discussion

The important distinction is between Buffalo’s known previous interest and a new transaction. Friedman connected the Sabres to the situation because of that earlier pursuit, Hellebuyck’s reported willingness to waive for Buffalo, and the pressure surrounding what he described as a big year for the club. None of that establishes that Buffalo has returned with an offer.

Winnipeg’s position is equally conditional. A strong opening without Hellebuyck does not itself settle a trade question, but it can alter the club’s practical choices. Friedman pointed to the possibility that the Jets may feel more comfortable with Skinner and Stevenson than they did at the outset. If that comfort grows, a return centred on an immediate replacement in goal may become less essential from Winnipeg’s perspective.

That is the potential logjam Friedman identified. The discussion is not simply about whether Buffalo wants Hellebuyck; it is also about what Winnipeg believes it requires in return and whether its early results change that requirement. Until either side makes a move, the only firm development is the reported framework around the decision.

Why It Matters

Hellebuyck’s reported willingness to waive to Buffalo gives the Sabres a plausible route back into the conversation, rather than merely an outside link. For Winnipeg, the ability to keep winning while using other goaltenders could affect the type of return it seeks.

Friedman’s suggestion does not make a deal more certain. It does, however, identify the key condition to watch: whether Winnipeg’s internal assessment of Skinner and Stevenson changes its preference for receiving a goalie as part of any trade. That would affect the shape of a potential negotiation, not just the number of interested clubs.

IHM Market Outlook

The market signal is about flexibility, not momentum towards a completed trade. Friedman said Winnipeg does not feel extra urgency, a position supported in his view by the club’s 3-1-1 start without Hellebuyck. That reduces any need to portray Buffalo as having a deadline-driven advantage.

Buffalo’s link remains conditional on both price and internal evaluation. Friedman asked whether the Sabres have sufficiently strong goaltending and whether they might decide to act. Those are open questions, not reported decisions. Likewise, the notion of Winnipeg accepting a return without a goalie depends on its confidence in Skinner and Stevenson, rather than being an established change in trade demands.

Mini Q&A

Has Buffalo made a new offer for Connor Hellebuyck?

No new Buffalo offer, trade package or completed deal was detailed. Friedman raised Buffalo as a possible club to revisit the situation if the price drops.

Why might Winnipeg’s asking price structure change?

Friedman suggested the Jets could become less insistent on receiving a goaltender in return if they decide Skinner and Clay Stevenson can make the situation work.

Would Hellebuyck waive for Buffalo?

Friedman said Hellebuyck would waive to go to Buffalo.

Coach Mark Comment

The early Winnipeg results matter most because they give the club a chance to evaluate its goaltending from within rather than making an immediate reactionary decision. If the Jets believe Skinner and Stevenson can provide workable coverage, they can discuss any Hellebuyck return on broader terms. That is a roster-management consideration before it becomes a tactical one.

IHM Final View

Buffalo remains a credible reported possibility because it had been interested before and Hellebuyck would reportedly waive for the Sabres. But there is no new offer or trade to announce. The central question is whether Winnipeg’s confidence in Skinner and Clay Stevenson changes what it needs in return; only then would the reported Buffalo connection take on a clearer practical shape.

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: October 9, 2026, 18:29 CEST

Story Summary

Connor Hellebuyck remains the clearest live market story in a wide-ranging set of NHL reports, with the Winnipeg Jets goaltender still suspended after not reporting to training camp and both sides reportedly trying to find a trade arrangement that works.

The situation is no longer simply an off-season request. Hellebuyck’s absence has created an active stand-off between a franchise and a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, while the League is said to be monitoring developments. Officially, Winnipeg confirmed in September that Hellebuyck was suspended for failing to report to camp after he had made a trade request public.

Elsewhere, Nashville’s veteran core is reportedly aware that a poor opening could bring further change after Chris MacFarland’s busy summer of trades. Anaheim has also been linked with a possible search for another defenceman later in the trade season, although the Ducks already added experienced blueliner Nick Jensen in July.

Texas expansion remains an important longer-term League matter, but it should not be framed as a completed or imminent decision. The NHL’s evaluation of Houston and Austin was still ongoing in late September, with the next formal Board of Governors update expected in December.

Key Facts

• Connor Hellebuyck remains suspended by the Winnipeg Jets after failing to report to training camp.
• Hellebuyck had publicly confirmed that he requested a trade from Winnipeg before the suspension.
• Reportedly, the Jets and Hellebuyck’s side were still trying to identify a trade solution acceptable to both parties.
• The NHL is reportedly staying informed on developments surrounding Hellebuyck and the Jets.
• Roman Josi and Steven Stamkos each have one season remaining on their contracts after 2026-27.
• Anaheim has been linked with a possible later-season move for another defenceman after substantial blue-line turnover.
• The NHL’s Texas expansion evaluation remains active, with Houston and Austin under consideration; no expansion franchise has been approved.

IHM Discussion

The Hellebuyck situation is the most immediate and consequential item because it combines a public trade request, a suspension and the challenge of constructing a deal for an elite goaltender. The reported search for a mutually workable outcome does not establish that a trade is close, nor does it identify a destination. It does, however, make clear that the matter remains unresolved rather than dormant.

For Winnipeg, the key distinction is between a player’s value and the practical mechanics of moving him. Hellebuyck’s standing as a three-time Vezina Trophy winner is established, but a trade requires another club to meet Winnipeg’s terms and be comfortable with the wider commitment involved. Until a completed transaction is announced, any destination talk remains speculative.

Nashville’s report is more about organisational pressure than a declared transaction. MacFarland’s off-season activity is concrete, but the suggestion that Roman Josi, Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault were effectively placed on notice is an interpretation of conversations rather than a stated club policy. The meaningful fact is that MacFarland has already shown a willingness to alter the group.

Anaheim’s blue-line question also needs careful framing. The Ducks lost John Carlson, Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas from last season’s group, but those exits did not all occur through free agency.

On expansion, a reported slowdown should be viewed against the NHL’s official position: the League and the Friedkin Group are evaluating Houston and Austin, and the process has not yet reached a Board of Governors vote. That leaves room for debate and due diligence, but not for a conclusion that Texas expansion has been shelved.

Why It Matters

Hellebuyck’s status affects more than one player’s future. A suspended starting goaltender changes a club’s immediate preparation, while an eventual trade would affect the acquiring team’s crease, assets and roster planning. The absence of a deal means the issue remains a live market variable.

For Nashville, the report underlines how quickly a new hockey operations group can assess its direction when experienced players are approaching key contract points. For Anaheim, further blue-line interest would be a signal that the club wants additional flexibility after a significant summer of change.

IHM Market Outlook

The market signal from Winnipeg is urgency without completion. Hellebuyck’s suspension and trade request make the situation unusually public, but neither establishes a timetable nor guarantees a move. Any club linked to him must still be treated as a possibility, not a destination.

Nashville’s trade volume suggests MacFarland is prepared to keep examining the roster, though there is no confirmed indication that Josi, Stamkos, Forsberg or Marchessault is being moved. Anaheim’s possible interest in another defenceman is similarly a watch-list item, not evidence of an active negotiation.

Texas is not a player market issue, but the official expansion process is worth monitoring because the League has confirmed that Houston and Austin are being evaluated. The next formal Board of Governors update is expected in December.

Mini Q&A

Has Connor Hellebuyck been traded by the Winnipeg Jets?

No completed Hellebuyck trade is established here. He remains suspended, and the reported focus is on finding a resolution that works for both him and the Jets.

Are the Anaheim Ducks without veteran help on defence?

No. A possible further addition would therefore be an extra move, not their first veteran acquisition.

Is a Texas NHL expansion team confirmed?

No. The NHL is evaluating Houston and Austin with the Friedkin Group, but approval would still require a future Board of Governors vote.

Coach Mark Comment

A goaltender stand-off has an immediate coaching consequence even before a trade is completed: preparation has to centre on the available crease options rather than the absent starter. That demands clarity in practice workloads, special-teams communication and game planning. The important discipline is to avoid treating an unresolved personnel matter as if a replacement structure has already been settled.

IHM Final View

The Hellebuyck story remains a reportable trade situation because the central facts are clear: he requested a move, did not report to camp and was suspended by Winnipeg. What is not clear is where, when or whether a trade will be completed.

The wider round-up offers useful context rather than confirmed next moves. Nashville has already changed materially under Chris MacFarland, Anaheim may continue to assess its blue line, and Texas expansion remains under formal evaluation. In each case, the facts support attention, but not certainty.

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 29, 2026, 21:55 CEST

Story Summary

Connor Hellebuyck’s future with the Winnipeg Jets remains unresolved, with Craig Button arguing that general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff should wait for a return that serves the club’s immediate ambitions rather than accept a deal simply to end the situation. Hellebuyck’s trade request and Jets suspension are confirmed, meaning this is not merely an external-market rumour, but there is no reported completed trade or identified destination.

The Jets have added goaltender Clay Stevenson on waivers from the Washington Capitals, but that move does not settle the larger Hellebuyck question. Winnipeg announced the claim on September 28, with Stevenson arriving after four NHL appearances for Washington in 2025-26.

In Detroit, restricted free-agent defenceman Simon Edvinsson is no longer practising with the Red Wings and no longer has a locker in the dressing room, according to the information available. Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said the organisation would continue its conversations with Edvinsson and his representatives. No agreement, contract term or salary has been announced.

The two situations are different in scale and mechanism, but each concerns a significant player whose status has become a live roster issue as the season begins.

Key Facts

• Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets during the off-season and was suspended after failing to report to training camp.
• Craig Button said Kevin Cheveldayoff should wait for a deal that delivers a strong return rather than make a trade simply to conclude the process.
• Button framed the potential return as one that should help Winnipeg compete now, rather than focus on prospects or draft picks that may contribute years later.
• The Jets claimed goaltender Clay Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals on September 28.
• Simon Edvinsson is a restricted free-agent defenceman and is not practising with the Detroit Red Wings while contract conversations continue.
• Shawn Horcoff said Detroit would continue discussions with Edvinsson and his representatives.
• A suggested November contract scenario involving a five-year deal at $9 million annually was presented as a hypothetical cap example, not as a reported offer or agreement.

IHM Discussion

Button’s assessment centres on leverage and standards rather than a timetable. His argument is that Cheveldayoff’s responsibility is not to force resolution at the first available opportunity, but to secure a return consistent with the value of a player of Hellebuyck’s stature and with Winnipeg’s stated desire to compete.

That does not establish that a suitable trade is close. It does, however, make clear why the Jets’ position may remain patient even as the season opens. Button specifically connected the handling of Hellebuyck to the message received by core players including Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Adam Lowry and Kyle Connor. In that framing, the return matters not only as an asset transaction, but as evidence of how the organisation intends to operate around its established group.

Stevenson’s arrival is a concrete move at goaltender, but it should not be presented as confirmation of an impending Hellebuyck trade. The waiver claim adds another goalie to the organisation; it does not disclose Winnipeg’s trade terms, name a club in negotiations or confirm a deadline for a deal.

Edvinsson’s case is a more conventional, though still meaningful, contract impasse. Detroit had previously had the 23-year-old at camp while he remained unsigned, with Horcoff describing a new deal as a priority.

Why It Matters

For Winnipeg, Hellebuyck’s status affects a premium position. Button’s view is that accepting a weaker future-focused package would run against a win-now message to the club’s key players. That is an interpretation of the Jets’ trade posture, not confirmation of what another team has offered.

For Detroit, the immediate issue is access to Edvinsson’s services while he remains unsigned. The Red Wings have not announced a new contract, and the absence from practice means the situation cannot be treated as routine camp business. Detroit’s earlier public comments underlined Edvinsson’s importance to the group, while his current status makes a completed agreement the only clear resolution point.

IHM Market Outlook

His trade request is public, but no completed trade has been announced and no club has been identified as having met Winnipeg’s price. The key reported position is Button’s belief that Cheveldayoff will wait rather than lower that standard.

The only dollar figure raised is part of a hypothetical example about cap accounting if a deal were signed on November 1. It is not evidence of Detroit’s offer, Edvinsson’s asking price or a five-year agreement under discussion. The responsible reading is simply that the sides remain in contact without publicly disclosed financial terms.

Mini Q&A

Has Connor Hellebuyck been traded?

No. Hellebuyck has requested a trade and has been suspended by the Jets, but no completed transaction or destination has been announced.

Is Simon Edvinsson expected to sign for $9 million per season?

There is no announced agreement at that figure. The $9 million over five years example was hypothetical and should not be treated as a reported contract proposal.

Coach Mark Comment

The central hockey lesson in both files is the cost of uncertainty at positions that shape a team’s structure. Winnipeg must manage its goaltending group while Hellebuyck’s status remains unsettled, whereas Detroit cannot fully build continuity on its blue line without clarity on Edvinsson. Neither situation allows for useful assumptions about a player’s next game or final destination; the practical focus is on the players available to each coaching staff now.

IHM Final View

There is confirmed substance behind both stories, but neither warrants a stronger conclusion than the facts allow. Hellebuyck has requested a trade, is suspended by Winnipeg and remains without an announced destination. Edvinsson is not practising as Detroit continues contract discussions, with no signed deal made public.

Button’s comments explain a possible Jets approach: patience until a return matches the club’s competitive aims. The Jets’ claim of Stevenson is official, but it is not proof that a Hellebuyck transaction is imminent. In Detroit, the next meaningful development is an agreement or a further official update on Edvinsson’s status, not a projected cap figure presented as a hypothetical.

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 6, 2026, 17:20 CEST

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.

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published: September 4, 2026, 11:21 CEST

Story Summary

Jeff Marek and Jason Gregor discussed the possibility that Connor Hellebuyck could be moved before Winnipeg’s training camp. Marek said he would take the ‘no’ on Hellebuyck still being a Jet when camp opens, arguing that there is a wider marketplace for the goaltender and that general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could use competing interest to strengthen the return. Gregor agreed that a deal before camp was possible and said there were teams interested.

Marek cited Hellebuyck’s individual honours, including a gold medal, a Hart Trophy and Vezina trophies, while also acknowledging concerns over his playoff record. He also suggested Winnipeg may prefer to avoid an unsettled atmosphere if trade speculation continues into the season. The discussion was prediction and opinion, not confirmation that a trade is imminent.

Key Facts

• Jeff Marek and Jason Gregor discussed the possibility of a Connor Hellebuyck trade before training camp.
• Marek said he would take ‘no’ on Hellebuyck being a Winnipeg Jet when training camp opens.
• Gregor said Hellebuyck has a longer list than Dylan Larkin in the discussion.
• Marek suggested Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can ‘pit more teams against one another to raise the price’ for Hellebuyck.
• Marek listed Hellebuyck’s individual honours in the conversation as including ‘Gold Medal, Hart, Vezinas’ and said he has not won the Stanley Cup.
• Both hosts acknowledged Hellebuyck’s playoff performances have ‘left something to be desired’ in their view.
• Marek suggested Winnipeg may want to avoid a difficult atmosphere if trade talk continues into the season.
• Gregor said he agreed that Hellebuyck could be dealt before the start of the season and that there are teams interested.
• The discussion referenced training camp, pre-season and the regular-season opener as milestones for the situation.
• These were opinions and predictions, not confirmation of a transaction.

IHM Discussion

The exchange illustrates how trade speculation can shape expectations before camp. Marek’s view that Hellebuyck may not still be a Jet when camp opens was a prediction, not confirmation of a deal. He pointed to a potentially broad market, Hellebuyck’s individual honours and Cheveldayoff’s ability to invite competing offers as reasons Winnipeg could have leverage.

If several clubs pursue the goaltender, the Jets would be better placed to seek a return that matches their valuation. Marek also raised the prospect of an unsettled atmosphere in Winnipeg if speculation follows Hellebuyck into the season.

Neither Marek nor Gregor named trade partners, outlined packages or offered a firm timetable. Their central view was simply that a move before camp was plausible, while the situation remains unresolved.

Why It Matters

A trade before camp would leave the Jets needing to settle their goaltending plan quickly and would reshape the conversation around the club entering the season. For any interested team, Hellebuyck’s awards and experience would be part of the appeal, while the playoff concerns raised in the discussion would remain part of its evaluation. Until a move is completed, those are potential consequences rather than settled outcomes.

IHM Market Outlook

Marek’s view points to a potentially favourable market for Winnipeg if several clubs are interested. His argument was that Hellebuyck’s honours could help Cheveldayoff seek stronger compensation by weighing competing offers.

The playoff concerns raised in the discussion may still affect how teams value a deal. Any buyer would have to decide whether the acquisition cost matches its own plans, while Winnipeg would determine whether an offer is sufficient to move forward.

Mini Q&A

Is the report saying Connor Hellebuyck will definitely be traded before camp?

No. Marek predicted that Hellebuyck may not be a Jet when training camp opens, but no trade has been confirmed.

Why do insiders think Hellebuyck might be moved before training camp?

Marek and Gregor pointed to perceived interest in Hellebuyck, the prospect of competing offers and the possibility that Winnipeg would prefer clarity before the season.

What parts of Hellebuyck’s record did the commentators highlight?

They cited his individual honours – referenced in the discussion as including a Gold Medal, Hart and Vezina trophies – while also saying his playoff performances ‘have left something to be desired.’

What are the immediate dates to watch according to the source?

Training camp, pre-season and the regular-season opener are the immediate milestones mentioned in the discussion.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, an early trade would bring clarity to Winnipeg’s goaltending plan. Any club acquiring Hellebuyck would need to integrate him into its defensive structure quickly, with communication and workload management important during the transition.

What Comes Next

Training camp, pre-season and the start of the regular season are the next natural milestones. Until there is an official move, the discussion remains speculative.

IHM Final View

Marek and Gregor see a plausible path to Hellebuyck being moved before training camp, based on perceived demand and Winnipeg’s ability to seek competing offers. That remains a prediction rather than a confirmed transaction, and the situation will stay speculative until a deal is announced.