The Winnipeg Jets’ star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been linked to the Buffalo Sabres heavily in the last few weeks before the deal reportedly fell through. While he has since been speculated to join a number of rival teams, nothing has been confirmed yet. Amid this, the Utah Mammoth and the San Jose Sharks have emerged as top landing spots.
Which teams are interested in Connor Hellebuyck?
A number of teams have been linked to him ever since his trade to the Buffalo Sabres fell through. As per NHL insiders, the Utah Mammoth and the San Jose Sharks could be eyeing him.
What are insiders saying about the rumors?
Karl Rasmussen of the Sports Illustrated noted in a recent report, ‘’The Mammoth are on the verge of becoming true contenders, but they could use an upgrade at goaltender in order to do so…A Hellebuyck trade would likely involve Vejmelka going the other direction to Winnipeg, considering he’s still under contract for a few more years, but Utah could also dangle some of its top prospects or draft considerations to get it done.”Karl Rasmussen of the Sports Illustrated added, “The Sharks have been linked with a number of top trade candidates this offseason, but have yet to make a move to bring in a veteran player. Making a big swing for Hellebuyck would be a statement trade for the Sharks, who are on a strong trajectory toward contention with Macklin Celebrini quickly rising to stardom. Yaroslav Askarov looks like he has a high ceiling, but Alex Nedjelkovic doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence as a No. 1 option. Hellebuyck would give them a reliable hand in goal as the team looks to take its next steps and end its ongoing playoff drought. Plus, after years of bottom dwelling, San Jose has a healthy pool of draft picks and young talent they could include in a trade with the Jets.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
The Winnipeg Jets’ star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is still under a 7 year deal worth $59.5 million with the team that will run through the 2030-31 season. For any team in the league that trades for Connor Hellebuyck, the team would have to pay a reduced base salary of $7.5 million in actual cash for the 2026-27 season.
How will the trade affect the teams?
For the Utah Mammoth, trading for Connor Hellebuyck is pretty affordable as he could fix the team’s defense instantly to speed up their playoff push.For the San Jose Sharks, Connor Hellebuyck remains affordable as he turns into an elite goalie stability to lead their young team.