NHL Rumor Mill – September 24, 2026
Could Connor Hellebuyck return to the Jets? If not, which teams could become trade destinations for the three-time Vezina Trophy winner? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jake Tye noted that NHL insider Frank Seravalli said “the door is open” for Connor Hellebuyck to return to the Winnipeg Jets.
The 33-year-old goaltender requested a trade earlier this year. He’s been suspended without pay by the Jets for not reporting to training camp.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (NHL Images).
Earlier this week during an appearance on The Fan Morning Show, Seravalli said the Jets aren’t rushing to move Hellebuyck because they hope he’ll change his mind and return to the team.
Later that day, during an appearance on “Oilers Now”, Seravalli listed the San Jose Sharks, Utah Mammoth, and the Vegas Golden Knights as possible landing spots if the Jets ultimately trade Hellebuyck.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff last week said the club would welcome Hellebuyck back if he changed his mind. However, he’s continuing his efforts to find a suitable trade that would benefit both sides, meaning this could take time to resolve.
The Sharks and Mammoth lack the salary cap space to absorb Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million average annual value, but moving an established player or two to the Jets as part of the return should address the issue. They also have depth in young players that the Jets could find enticing.
While the Golden Knights always seem to be involved whenever a big star is available, they lack the cap room and tradeable assets to pull it off. That doesn’t mean they won’t try, but it’s unlikely they’ll win a bidding war.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman talked about a potential trade fit between the Jets and the Sharks involving Hellebuyck.
Friedman believes “tires have been kicked” between the two clubs, but he doesn’t know who initiated it. Nevertheless, he felt the Sharks would be high on the list of teams that make sense as a landing spot for Hellebuyck.
According to Friedman, the challenge is whether the Sharks think they can win the Stanley Cup within the next two or three years, which is what Hellebuyck sees as his window to win hockey’s holy grail.
DAILY FACEOFF: Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discussed the possibility of Hellebuyck going to the Sharks.
Hutton believes any team that acquires Hellebuyck is in “win-now” mode, pointing out that the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres have been mentioned as destinations. Yaremchuk noted that Hellebuyck’s age would be a factor for the Sharks. Both believe they’ll maintain the status quo and stick with promising goalie Yaroslav Askarov.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As noted earlier, the Sharks are well-positioned to win a bidding war against most teams that could be interested in Hellebuyck. While they should be a playoff contender this season, this young club is probably another three years away from winning the Stanley Cup. That could be too long for Hellebuyck, who wants to win now.
The same could be said for the Mammoth, though they have a more veteran-laden roster than the Sharks. Still, their window of opportunity might not open in time for Hellebuyck to fulfil his Stanley Cup dream.
A case can be made for the Golden Knights, who marched to the Stanley Cup Final last season. They could be a front-runner if Cheveldayoff gets desperate and lowers his asking price, though the salary-cap issue would still have to be worked out.
The Hurricanes and Sabres still seem the better destinations for Hellebuyck. However, it remains to be seen if a deal can be made with either club.
This is not on the topics above, but boy did Messier drop a bomb this morning: he stated he was “horrified” at Babcock’s hiring given the stories he has heard from many credible people. That may not be news but Messier adding his voice to those against Babcock sure is. I’d argue that after Gretzky he is the most prominent of the Oilers alumni.
Messier also made a what I thought was a very good point: McDavid, Draisaitl and others being involved as players mean that in endorsing the hiring they effectively run the risk of tolerating – if not endorsing – any abuse. How can the leadership group protect the players, he asks?
The horse is out of the barn in terms of the hiring, but talk about food for thought.
Which I duly noted in today’s Morning Coffee Headlines, LJ.
You did, indeed Lyle. I hadn’t read the Headlines before I made the comment.
You’re on your game.
As much as I loved Messier, if I had to pick one player in the history of the league that shouldn’t comment on coaches, it’s the guy that teamed up with Mike Keenan.
1.No I’m not a Canucks fan lol.
2. So he can demand that Keenan get’s hired but if McDavid asks for Babcock it’s appalling?
Again, I’m not against the idea that Messier or McDavid this, I’m confused that Messier is acting confused and surprised like he’s never seen anything like this.
Now that it has been pointed out to me, I am surprised too, Acadian.
Take out the source and stick with the observation and his observation is worth considering.
Yup. 100%. As a Canucks fan I can say that the Messier/Keenan era was the darkest period in franchise history. That was “horrifying”.
Pretty rich coming from the Messy one after what he pulled in Vancouver.
Mentioned by numerous folks on line. It’s crazy how people just forget their own words/actions when suddenly judging others.
Messier should look in the mirror…. He had a major role in the Canucks running Trevor Linden out of town so he could wear the “C” and get Keenan hired as the coach.
Then proceeded to steal 20+ million from the Canucks.
Some of us have good memories Mark. Greatest leader in hockey, what a boatload of crap.
I think either way Chevy no matter what is not going to get what he wants. Something like this is just too distracting for a team trying to prepare for a rigorous reg season. I’ve watched Brunet very carefully in all the games he’s played it’s going to be interesting who he usurps. Sweeney’s would be nuts to send this guy down Obviously he does not replace McAvoy
Or Aspirot, even though I think he should replace Lindholm he’s not going to do that. So who is it Lohrei or someone else?
Carolina and Buff both do.
Carolina can send Nikishin, Nadeau, and Kotchekov (goalie) back.
If Buffalo can convince UPL (goalie) to waive his trade protection, he can go with any handfull of young offensive forwards.
Question is, is Car or Buff willing to give up that much for a goalie who is turning 34 this season.
Hopefully, the answer for CAR is ‘no’.
No offense to Helly, but why pay $8M for a goalie when you have a (seemingly) capable one for $2M? A Cap World requires such calculations.
And likely a soon-to-be-declining G, at that. Simply an unneeded luxury for CAR that isn’t justified by the cost.
foleyd7, the Jets dont need nikishin, the Jets need 2nd line help. Why would the Jets trade for a player they dont need whos asking $9-10mil per, assuming he’d sign in Winnipeg?
As for Buffalo, I’d rather the Jets dont trade for upl and get more assets that will help them now and in the future.
Yes i do agree with you about his age, but the difference is he’s the best goalie on the planet and top goalies rarely become available.
Buffalo and Carolina both have the assets to make the deal. The question is, are they willing to give up multiple assets to make it happen?
I say the Buffalo ship sailed after the draft. Carolina has young goalies they seem to be confident with long term.
Chevy may have played his hand for best return.
He’s not going back to Winnipeg either.
Ridiculous offer. If Nikishin won’t sign in Carolina, he isn’t going to sign in Winnipeg. I live in Winnipeg and see so many takes that do not take into account the reality of this city. No one wants to come here.
Plus, Winnipeg doesn’t hand the bag over to young up and comers. They marinate their own. Just look at what they’re paying their Dmen: Pionk $7, Morrissey $6.25, Samberg $5.75, DeMelo $4.9, Ferraro $4. Nikishin wants $8 and Carolina won’t have it. The Jets aren’t interested in the Russian. And Russians aren’t very interested in the city of Winnipeg.
Nadeau is a 5’11” 180lbs very late first round pick with almost no NHL experience. Looks like he’ll be a fine AHLer, but there is no guarantee he makes a difference in the NHL.
And Kotchekov is 27 years old and barely a 900 save percentage since he entered the league. You can grab that off the waiver wire.
I don’t mind a number of the option coming out of Buffalo, but UPL ain’t gonna waive for Winnipeg.
Chevy has the most difficult GM job in the league in making trades and signing free agents. He is right to wait this out, just like he did with Kane, Trouba, Laine, Roslovic and Dubois (all first round draft picks wanting out).
Wesley,
Peg teams have been good since the team arrived, so much better than the terrible hockey Atlanta endured for most of the 11 seasons with the Thrashers. I wonder how patient the Winnipeg fans would have been had they endured with the bad Atlanta dealt with?
Wesley Sylvester … best summary of the reality that is Winnipeg that I’ve ever read in here, along with the 100%-accurate analysis of the ridiculous proposed offers.
Please post more often.
Fellow Winnipegger with Wesley. Chevy gave the politically correct message that Helly would be welcomed back, but in reality Helly has SCORNED Jets Nation and will face more wrath than any player in NHL history before getting out of the airport. He’s gone from primadona darling to dumpster fire public enemy number one. He quit on the team and was the last of the locker room problems that we began purging starting with Wheeler.
Seravalli is dreaming if he thinks the Jets aren’t rushing in hopes Helly changes his mind. Makes for great writers copy but Jets aren’t in a rush because Chevy can toll his contract while he’s ice fishing in Minn all winter and had the foresight for a Plan B so the team wasn’t behind the 8 ball. He is not welcome back. Don’t pay him and tack the time to the end of the contract.
Don’t quite agree with Wes or the band wagon that players don’t want to be here (other than that he’s spot on) I have proximity to lots of Jets players at my golf course. Most love it and are treated like gold, and the AHL Moose are treated that way too. That is the culture and there is no shortage on $$$ with some of the deepest pockets in the league owning this team. We like to talk lots about cold and mosquitos so we don’t have to deal with migration from the all the “wonderful” folks from the GTA. 🙂
Forget about UPL. If you’re 27 yrs old and want to secure a starter job you don’t lift your NTC to play second fiddle to Skinner who has better numbers behind worse defense in EDM and PITTS. Not interested in Russian D who have inflated ideas of self worth either. Generally unimpressed with the offerings of unproven spare nuts and bolts that have been offered up to date. (Yes. I’m gonna take heat from the nay sayers, “He’s getting old. He had a bad year. He got hurt …) How many Vezina trophies does your goalie have? Probably none.
It may take a while for several teams to develop needs/problems. In the meantime we wait until other teams have more urgency. Thinking it may come down to a 3-way trade. Until then there won’t be
I’m surprised NJ is not mentioned in the Helly talks.
Yes it would take some $ going back but if Mercer, Mantha, and Daws were on the deal it can work.
I think NJ is a heck of a dark horse to make a deep playoff run in the next couple of seasons
I think NJ is a dark horse to make the top 3 in the Metro as well Konstantine. Tending is a question for sure.
Interesting to see Silayev and if he makes the team and gets quality minutes. Everything I have read about this 6’7″ D-man is that he is ready and has a chance to be an elite, top pair, shut down guy due to how he can skate at that size.
If he does make it, a LD will need to go or watch from the rafters.
NJ gives Mercer, Daws and a 1st for Helly
Buff gives Lyon, Quin and a 1st for Helly
JohnnyZ. I think if either team offered those packages it would be fair at this point, unfortunately I think Chevy is locked into a different mindset, which will drag this thing out.
Lyon only has a year left on his deal, a deal that’s a gross underpayment. End of the season, he can go wherever he wants.
I still think BUF has moved on they are no longer a player for Helle
The one thing I think all the pundits and commenters are overlooking in Hellebuyck’s situation is that the Jets want a goalie, preferably a starter, in return. Yet, every suggested trade partner, so far, has a good, young starting goalie in place. It seems to me that the first question anyone should ask is whether or not giving up that good, young goalie for Helly will substantially improve that team to the point of being Stanley Cup challengers.
No the Jets dont want a starter in return. Theres a reason they signed Skinner for 2 years @ $3.75mil per. You dont pay that much for a back up.
The Jets are looking for a 2c & or 2nd line winger. The Jets can trade for a backup.
Puckpedia is your friend
That for sure is a key factor Paul, and an obvious one at that.
Here’s the thing that folks also miss, Helley was winning personal trophies when the Jets were one of, if not the best defensive teams in the league.
Last year they were not, and neither was he. Hey I get he is a very good tender, but like most tenders, a lot depends on the team in front of them.
So how much value to teams really put in a guy like that or any tender? Some obviously, but not enough to sell the farm for one.
The answer to that question is why a trade hasn’t happened. And why Bob has a new home. Bob has one, Hely does not.
I don’t think comparing Bobs and Helly is realistic. One was an FA signing, the other has term on his contract. Apples and oranges.
All teams need a goalie the likes of Hellebyuck even the Jets….contract is good length and dollars; with
Hellebyucks’ style and positional strength he is good till 40. Bobrowsky
signed for 7m 3 years and he is 38
Riders in CFL went thru same problem as the Peg as then on no one wanted to go to Regina. They changed and started signed players from small cities and small universities which helped them turn the team around. Jets may need to consider something similar
Riders in CFL went thru the same as the PEG where no one wanted to come to Regina. They changed and started signing players from small cities and small universities which helped them turn the team around. Jets may have to consider some similar alternative
Carolina is current champs so will likely be a favorite to go deep again. Of course Hellebuyck would choose them but do Canes need him? Why deplete roster for upgrade in net? What a difference a year makes.
Buffalo would never have been considered before last season. IMO, they’ve lost a few good pieces and will rely on big jumps from younger guys. I’m still picking Detroit for Hellebuyck. Same point total as Utah and more than SJ last year. Sharks went on spending spree and will have to wait and see how that pans out. Wings have experienced goalie coming off a relatively good season. Would Gibson go to Jets and would he extend? Detroit has some good young players and looking long term have the most cap space next offseason. Getting Hellebuyck and committing to adding thru free agency or trade over waiting on prospect development should convince Larkin to stay.
Gibby is from Pittsburgh, would he go there?
To Detroit ..,Helly
To Pitt….. Gibby and Winny 3rd
To Winny…..Silovs, Rust, Compher, Mazur, Detroit 3rd
The good news from the offseason is no more Hrudey and Botterill or as my friend calls her Jennifer Bonerkill, lol.on the LeafsNet panel. Now if they would only sh*tcan Backstabber Ronny.
Bieska is outstanding on the “panel”, the rest easily replaceable windbags.
Ron, to quote Step Brothers, “did we just become best friends? I think so.”
I couldn’t agree more on MacLean, Botteril and Hrudey. Bieksa is the only one worth listening to. By the end of last season I would literally get up and walk away from the tv so I didn’t have to listen to the rest of the panel.
Their loss TNT’s gain. Botternill is the booth for TNT broadcasts! 😆
Why not Kathy Tappen?
Does Karlsson and Hill from Vegas get it done?
2nd line help and goalie back
So the Jets increase their goalie tandem to basically $10mil a season and really dont get any better in goal. Then they add a 33 year old ufa who played 14 games last season and is barely a 3rd centre. All that for a top goalie.
Do you really think that makes any sense to the Jets on any level???
If I’m Utah the very most I would offer for Helly would be be
Crouse , Cossa and a 1st. Offers aren’t going to go up now that he s suspended .
Fantilli is signed 6x$13.75M .
Leaves them slightly over the cap $1.2M which is easily covered.
Have to wonder why this wasn’t wrapped up a week or two ago.
Agreed. Merzlikins, who is still recovering from his August shoulder surgery, and who failed to to pass his pre-season physical is a certainty to go on LTIR once rhe season begins. His $5.4 mil cap hit will cover that over-draft … at least until he’s ready to return, giving them plenty of time to figure out the moves necessary to cover both. That could be upwards of 2 months, likely involving some re-hab time in the AHL.
The Jets are not going to give Hellebuyck away for a song. He’s so sure he’s the best in the world, then the return better reflect that, otherwise he can report or lose $39K per day for the pleasure of sitting on his couch. Chevy is under no fan pressure to make a bad deal, because you can make a bad deal whenever (which he won’t).