As the star netminder’s trade demand triggers a $39,000 daily salary forfeit, Winnipeg navigates complex negotiations with Carolina and San Jose to secure a return for their cornerstone.
On Friday, the Winnipeg Jets open their 2026-27 season without superstar goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, as the 33-year-old Michigan native remains hopeful for a trade.
The absence comes at a cost, as Hellebuyck has already begun losing salary this season. According to reports, the longtime Jets netminder is expected to forfeit $39,000 per regular-season day, meaning he enters Friday down roughly $156,000 just three days into the season.
With reports on trade talks between Winnipeg and other teams having been quiet, there appears to be no end in sight, and more of Hellebuyck's expected salary will continue to shrink the longer the standoff lasts. Despite being without one of their best players, the Jets have remained adamant that they are doing everything in their power to keep contending and will do so without Hellebuyck.
Insiders have reported that several teams remain interested in Hellebuyck, including the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said on his podcast 32 Thoughts that Carolina is still very interested in acquiring the goaltender. The biggest obstacle, according to Friedman, is restricted free agent Alexander Nikishin, whom the Jets reportedly do not believe would sign with them long-term, complicating any potential return package.
Friedman explained that the simplest way to get a deal done may be to bring in a third team, with Carolina acquiring assets from another club and then flipping them to Winnipeg, along with potentially other pieces, in exchange for Hellebuyck.
Another potential suitor is the San Jose Sharks, who were reportedly in on Hellebuyck. Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now presented a potential trade package that could include forward Collin Graf, who posted 46 points this past season, and goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. However, with Winnipeg looking for top-six help, it does not appear likely the Jets would agree to such a deal.
Without their longtime starter, the Jets will turn to former Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner in their season opener Friday against the Boston Bruins.
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