It’s been just over two months since Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck addressed the media, voicing his displeasure with the way the team’s season ended.
With the 2026 NHL Draft set to begin Friday evening in Buffalo, rumours of a Hellebuyck trade continue to loom as the off-season brings what feels like daily player movement across the league.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Hellebuyck wouldn’t mind a change of scenery, but Dreger said he doesn’t have confirmation that the Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender has requested a trade.
When asked about it Friday morning, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff wouldn’t confirm it either.
“Obviously it’s that time of the year, right? Everyone’s talking about ways to improve their team or different things like that. Certainly, as an organization, we’re going to listen,” said Cheveldayoff while speaking to the media over Zoom.
“Everyone saw [Hellebuyck’s] press conference at the end of the year — he was passionate. Certainly, in our exit meetings we had some frank conversations as well. But again, what happens in those meetings will certainly stay private.”
Hellebuyck finished the year with a .895 save percentage, the lowest he’s had since becoming an NHL starter. It wasn’t a smooth season for the 33-year-old health-wise either, having undergone a knee procedure in November.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, the goaltender has five years remaining on the seven-year contract he signed Oct. 9, 2023. Along with the $8.5-million average annual value, the Jets goalie has full trade protection.
Despite not confirming the reports, Cheveldayoff said he’s listening when it comes to teams interested in the Olympic gold medallist.
“At the end of the day, we both chose to sign a seven-year extension,” added Cheveldayoff. “We had the desire to take a player into his high 30s, and there are risks on both sides. Again, as an organization, it’s incumbent on me to listen, and that’s kind of what I’ve done up until this point.”
As Cheveldayoff continues to take calls, nothing has piqued his interest enough to make a move.
“Well, obviously what I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” said Cheveldayoff. “I guess the best answer is I’m still listening.”
As the draft approaches, the Jets currently hold the eighth-overall pick, along with six other selections: one in the third round (71st overall), one in the fourth (116th), one in the fifth (135th), one in the sixth (167th) and two in the seventh (199th and 220th overall).
Whether the Jets make the selection at No. 8 or move the pick, Cheveldayoff has his sights set on adding players who can fill the roster’s current holes.
“In this organization, you’re looking for someone to step up and take the bull by the horns at second-line centre,” said Cheveldayoff. “Is there something out there using pick eight? Does it fit your hole? Again, it’s something you have to feel very, very comfortable with, that you are addressing that need of getting faster and maybe filling that position. Those are the tough calls you have to make.”
