Earlier this spring, the Buffalo Sabres managed to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011, sending the hockey-mad region of Western New York into a frenzy.
Not only did the Sabres return to the postseason and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but they also captured their division for the first time since Chris Drury and Daniel Briere's final season with the franchise in 2006-07. However, Buffalo's postseason run came to a heartbreaking end, as the Sabres suffered a Game 7 overtime loss at home to the rival Montreal Canadiens.
The Sabres also lost key forward Alex Tuch, who was traded to the Washington Capitals after it became clear he would not sign an extension in Buffalo. In return, Buffalo received David Kampf and a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, while Tuch signed an eight-year contract with Washington.
During the postseason, the Sabres relied on both of their goaltenders, as neither Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen nor Alex Lyon was able to firmly establish himself as the starter. However, Buffalo could now have a significant opportunity in front of it following the trade request from Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who requested a trade.
Hellebuyck, who is one of the top players at his position in the NHL, has played his entire career with the Winnipeg Jets. However, following the 2025-26 season, Hellebuyck privately requested a trade of general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. That request went unfulfilled throughout the summer, and in late August, he decided to make the request public.ÃÂ
âÂÂI have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options,â Hellebuyck said in the statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau. âÂÂWith training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed. I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.âÂÂ
Since then, Hellebuyck has not reported to Jets training camp, which began earlier this week. Winnipeg responded by suspending him, leaving the two sides in a standoff.
Recent reports indicated that the Jets fielded offers for Hellebuyck but did not receive a satisfactory return package that would have made them comfortable parting ways with their franchise goaltender. Winnipeg also signed former Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner to a multiyear contract over the summer.
For Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who replaced the fired Kevyn Adams in mid-December right as Buffalo began their impressive turnaround, now is the time to try and pounce and make what would be a considerable upgrade between the pipes.
Sabres' best Connor Hellebuyck trade offer to Jets
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The Sabres could put together an adequate trade package for Hellebuyck that would not only allow him to play in his native homeland, but also for the Jets to recoup the kind of assets they'd want in return.
Buffalo Sabres receive:
- Connor Hellebuyck
Winnipeg Jets receive:
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- Jack Quinn
- 2027 first-round pick
- 2028 second-round pick
Hellebuyck has several years remaining on his contract, which carries an $8.5 million salary-cap hit. Meanwhile, Luukkonen carries a cap hit just under $5 million for the next three seasons, while Quinn has a similar cap hit for one more season before becoming a restricted free agent.
Acquiring Luukkonen would give the Jets another affordable option in net who could form a respectable tandem with Skinner. Quinn, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his contract. Moving both players would give Winnipeg the necessary cap space to take on Hellebuyck's contract.