Sources: Islanders Could Have Been Involved In Connor Hellebuyck Blockbuster Trade

On Friday morning, before the Winnipeg Jets traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, sources told The Hockey News that the New York Islanders could serve as a third team in a potential Hellebuyck deal, depending on the destination.

The Jets have also been scouting the Islanders over the last few games. 

Ultimately, New Jersey and Winnipeg completed the blockbuster without needing a third team to asbord salary or take on player for roster purposes. 

However, had Hellebuyck landed elsewhere, a third-party facilitator may have been necessary. 

The deal: Winnipeg traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils for forward Dawson Mercer, injured forward Nick Bjugstad, goaltender Nico Daws, 2026 first-round pick Alexander Command, a 2029 second-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. 

The Islanders, off to a 5-3-2 start through 10 games, are missing that elusive goal scorer and still have questions about their defense. 

General manager Mathieu Darche currently has $1.986 million in available space, but the Islanders can create additional flexibility by moving on from injured defenseman Alexander Romanov. 

Under the new CBA, the Islanders could receive up to $3.97 million in relief by placing Romanov on LTIR. They also have the option to place him on Season-Ending LTIR, which would give them $6.25 million in relief, but he'd be ruled out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs if the Islanders qualified. 

Darche has been involved in the trade market this season but has yet to take part.