The Buffalo Sabres are believed to have engaged in discussions with the Winnipeg Jets regarding a potential acquisition of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. These talks reportedly took place at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, according to reports on Friday. While Hellebuyck was understood to be willing to waive his no-movement clause for a move to Buffalo, the discussions appear to have stalled, though there is potential for them to resume.
Hellebuyck is currently under a seven-year contract, with five years remaining, carrying an annual average value of $8.5 million. The goaltender, a Michigan native, expressed dissatisfaction with the previous season’s developments with the Jets during his end-of-year press conference. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, an award recognizing the NHL‘s top goaltender, and contributed to Team USA‘s Olympic gold medal victory this year.
The Sabres recently ended a 14-year playoff drought by securing the Atlantic Division title this year. During the past season, the team primarily utilized Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon in net. The team also made significant moves earlier in the week, acquiring the No. 4 pick in Friday’s draft from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenceman Bowen Byram. Additionally, Buffalo holds the No. 20 selection in the first round of the draft.
Sabres’ strategic moves and potential targets
The Sabres have been active in the off-season, making several roster changes. They recently lost Byram in the trade with the Blackhawks, and also saw Alex Tuch depart in a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Capitals after efforts to re-sign him were unsuccessful. These departures suggest the Sabres are actively looking to bolster their roster, potentially using their two first-round draft picks, at fourth and 20th overall, to acquire players who can contribute immediately.
The expectation around the league is that Buffalo may not use both of their first-round picks to draft prospects, but rather leverage them to acquire established players. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is reportedly considering various options to strengthen the team. Beyond Hellebuyck, the Sabres have reportedly held conversations with the New York Rangers about Vincent Trocheck and with the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding Matthew Knies.
The focus for Buffalo could be either on replacing Tuch in their offensive lineup or strengthening their goaltending. The discussions surrounding Hellebuyck indicate a potential focus on the latter. The Sabres are not expected to be finished making headlines this off-season, with their No. 4 overall pick being a significant asset in play.
Hellebuyck’s market and other interested teams
While the Sabres have shown interest in Hellebuyck, other teams are also reportedly in the mix. The Florida Panthers have expressed interest in the goaltender, but their reluctance to part with Anton Lundell could complicate a potential deal. The Panthers were reportedly unwilling to include Lundell in a trade for Brady Tkachuk with the Ottawa Senators, and this stance appears to extend to other potential trades.
The Panthers have traded a number of assets previously, which could make it challenging for them to assemble an enticing package for Winnipeg without including Lundell. Another team that has reportedly shown interest in Hellebuyck is the Carolina Hurricanes. This interest is notable given that the Hurricanes achieved success in the Stanley Cup Final without what some considered a top-tier goaltender.
The Hurricanes are known for pursuing high-calibre players, and Hellebuyck fits that description. For the Jets, acquiring a high draft pick, such as Buffalo’s fourth overall selection, as part of a trade package for Hellebuyck would be considered very appealing. However, it remains uncertain if Buffalo would be willing to include such a high pick in a deal.
The situation surrounding Hellebuyck’s future with the Jets is influenced by his post-season comments, which suggested a preference for a change. However, the Jets are not under pressure to trade him during the off-season. The ongoing discussions highlight the strategic decisions facing both the Sabres and the Jets as the off-season progresses.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
