Breaking Down New NHL Trade Rumors on Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Quinn, Sabres Before 2026 Free Agency

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is reportedly available and the Buffalo Sabres came close to acquiring the 33-year-old ahead of the NHL Draft.

The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported on NHL Tonight that the Sabres offered the fourth overall pick, a player believed to be Jack Quinn, and "perhaps another ask" but were unable to get the deal over the finish line.

Elliotte Friedman added on his 32 Thoughts podcast:

"Now, I thought when the fourth overall pick in the first round was done, any hope of a Buffalo-Winnipeg deal was over. I don't know what the likelihood is, I'm not going to put a percentage on it, but I heard it wasn't over. … I think they're still talking about it," (h/t Sabre Noise for the transcription).

Hellebuyck is a year removed from capturing the Vezina Trophy, recognizing him as the game's best goaltender, and the Hart Trophy, the NHL's equivalent to the MVP award.

This past season, he turned in a disappointing season by his lofty standards. A knee injury did not help and the fatigue of competing in the Olympics, where he backstopped the United States to a gold medal, did not help matters. His average goals against (2.86) were the worst of the last four years, and his 162 allowed goals were the most since the 2021-22 season.

How much of that was injury and exhaustion versus a decline in play is the question Buffalo must consider if it continues its pursuit of Hellebuyck.

What is not at question is whether the three-time Vezina winner is still elite.

Winnipeg suffered a significant drop-off defensively last season. That, coupled with the aforementioned injury and fatigue, made for a disappointing season. The American still has all of the tools that led to his award-winning campaigns and in a new setting, such as Buffalo, would have a chance to prove as much.

The Sabres returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, led by a young core. For them to take that next step into Stanley Cup contention, though, they must upgrade a goalie position that allowed a 12.3 shooting percentage to opposing teams. There are few upgrades better than Hellebuyck.

Even if it requires a top prospect and Quinn in return, it is a win-now move, the likes of which the organization has not been in a position to make in over a decade.