NHL rumors: Sabres linked to Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck after acquiring No. 4 overall pick

The Buffalo Sabres recently traded Bowen Byrum, while also acquiring the No. 4 pick from the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, they are being linked to the Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck, according to NHL insider Darren Dreger.

Look at the Buffalo Sabres, and we know that Jarmo Kekalainen has been extremely busy to this point. Could he stabilize his goaltending by acquiring Connor Hellebuyck? Yes. Do they have the assets in Buffalo to do this? Yes, but he’s got a lot of other things that are also being played around with as we creep closer to Friday’s draft. So, if it’s draft-related, it could happen quickly. Otherwise, Winnipeg is willing to wait,” Dreger wrote.

Goaltending was a weakness for the Sabres, and it cost them against the Montreal Canadiens. While the offense was solid for Buffalo, the defense and goaltending were not. The Sabres still need a defenseman, but goaltending has also taken priority.

Hellebuyck was not as effective as usual, going 23-23-11 with a 2.86 goals against average and a .895 save percentage while dealing with some injuries. Previously, he won the Vezina while going 47-12-3 with a 2.00 goals against average and a .925 save percentage with eight shutouts. Other teams have shown interest in Hellebuyck, but the Jets still have him under contract until the end of the 2030-31 season.

Hellebuyck also has a no-movement trade clause. This means that he can control where he goes. Therefore, if the Jets wish to trade him to the Sabres, or any other team, he would have to approve the deal. With free agency looming; and the Sabres looking for some goaltending help, Hellebuyck would be the perfect answer for a team that is only a few pieces away from contending.

The post NHL rumors: Sabres linked to Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck after acquiring No. 4 overall pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.