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.
Nobody has any assets to make a deal for Helly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?