Since last year, there have been rumors surrounding Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and where his future will be between the pipes. One year after winning the Presidents' Trophy, the Jets missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but one question hovered over them: What is Connor Hellebuyck's future in Winnipeg?
After months of rumors about him requesting a trade, his agent, Ray Perkau, posted on social media confirming Hellebuyck's request with a statement from his client. This could be bad news when it comes to the Boston Bruins.
Statement from Connor Hellebuyck: pic.twitter.com/hW8sNw1LJi
— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) August 27, 2026
Connor Hellebuyck's trade request could be bad news for the Bruins
No, the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney are not going to be trading for the 33-year-old Michigan native with Jeremy Swayman under contract, but where he ends up could be bad for the Black and Gold. There are going to be several teams that would love to acquire him, and for some of them, it might be the difference between winning a Stanley Cup and coming up short.
There have been some teams linked to Hellebuyck, with the Buffalo Sabres often mentioned. Last season, they had a remarkable turnaround in the middle of the season, which led them to win the Atlantic Division and beat the Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. They were eliminated in seven games in the second round, but the case could be made that they were a goalie away from advancing further and being a problem.
If the Sabres were able to land Hellebuyck, then that is bad news not only for Boston, but for the rest of the Atlantic Division. If there was an ideal landing spot as far as the Bruins are concerned, then staying in the Western Conference would be that ideal landing spot. Anywhere in the East creates another obstacle for the Black and Gold in terms of competing for a playoff berth in 2026-27.
Two years ago, Hellebuyck went 47-12-3 with a .200 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. His numbers took a step back last season, when the Jets took a step back as a team. Hellebuyck went 23-23-11 with a 2.86 GAA and an .895 SV%. Don't let those numbers fool you. He backboned Team USA to a Gold Medal in the Olympics. He went 5-0-0 with a 1,18 GAA and a .956 SV% in the Olympics.
Bruins fans should keep close tabs on how this plays out leading into training camp and the beginning of the regular season. His destination could be a game-changer in the NHL for this upcoming season and beyond.
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