Buffalo Sabres Revive Hellebuyck Trade Talk Ahead of Deadline

Buffalo Sabres are back on the Connor Hellebuyck trade radar, with insiders saying talks with Winnipeg have reopened following a botched draft negotiation. The Sabres, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 50‑23 record and a one‑game losing streak as of July 13, 2026, see the Olympic‑gold‑medal goalie as the missing piece to push them over the Atlantic Division hump.

What sparked the renewed Hellebuyck chatter?

The buzz began at the NHL Draft when Winnipeg and Buffalo almost sealed a deal that would have sent the 30‑year‑old netminder to the Queen City. Hellebuyck reportedly offered to waive his no‑movement clause, but the Jets demanded a return that the Sabres weren’t ready to meet. After the draft, former Sabres netminder Martin Biron told WGR 550 that Winnipeg may have overplayed its hand, hinting the Jets could soften their stance now that the deadline looms.

How could the trade reshape the Sabres roster?

If Buffalo can swing a package, the club could swap backup goalie Ukka‑Pekka Luukkonen and a fourth‑overall pick—used on defenseman Daxon Rudolph—for Hellebuyck. The Jets would still need a starter for next season, as they’ve already committed nearly $4 million to Stuart Skinner as a backup. Adding a proven starter like Hellebuyck would give Winnipeg a reliable number 1, while Buffalo would instantly upgrade its last line of defense.

Why does the deal matter for Buffalo’s playoff push?

A goalie of Hellebuyck’s caliber could lift the Sabres from a strong regular‑season showing to a genuine Stanley Cup contender. Their current 50‑23 mark shows they can compete, but a sub‑par goaltending tandem has held them back in the past. Securing Hellebuyck would likely improve their goals‑against average and give coach Don Granato a true ace in the crease for the postseason.

What are the next steps for the trade talks?

Daily Faceoff’s RunDown quoted Fourth Period insider David Pagnotta, noting that conversations restarted on Monday and that Radim Mrtka’s name has surfaced as a possible return piece. While Hellebuyck hasn’t formally requested a trade, the growing pressure on Winnipeg’s front office suggests a move could materialize before the trade deadline. Buffalo’s management will have to decide whether to sweeten the offer or walk away.

What could the Jets receive in return?

Beyond Luukkonen and a high draft pick, the Sabres might throw a promising prospect or a future second‑rounder into the mix. The exact composition remains speculative, but any package that satisfies Winnipeg’s demand for depth and future assets would likely seal the deal. For Buffalo, the gamble is clear: give up future potential to secure a goalie who can win games tonight.

The Sabres’ front office appears ready to act. With the team perched near the top of the Eastern Conference, adding Hellebuyck could be the catalyst that turns a solid season into a championship run.