NHL rumors: Sabres’ Connor Hellebuyck trade buzz roars back to life after public trade demand

As the month of August dwindles down to just a few days, the start of NHL training camps in mid-September draws closer. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck remains with his team, but he still wants to be traded. He came out with a public statement Thursday reasserting his desire to leave Winnipeg and play for another NHL team.

Let’s talk Hellebuyck.#Sabres pic.twitter.com/VOzJ5pxP35

— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) August 27, 2026

Hellebuyck has been one of the game’s most outstanding netminders and he led the United States to a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics, further cementing his status as an elite goaltender. While Hellebuyck had not made any public statements after making his trade request to the Jets, he has now made his desires public since there has been no movement to this point.

It seems quite likely that the Buffalo Sabres may be at the top of the list that Hellebuyck would like to play for in the upcoming season. The Sabres are coming off a memorable season that saw them finish in first place in the Atlantic Division after failing to make the playoffs since 2011. They won their first-round matchup with the Boston Bruins before they were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.

The Sabres were successful last season even though they did not have elite goaltending. If they can acquire Hellebuyck, their chances of winning the first Stanley Cup in team history would be significantly upgraded.

Hellebuyck is a four-time NHL All-Star, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and a Hart Trophy winner as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player. Hellebuyck played in 57 games for the Jets last season and he had a 23-23-11 record.

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