Connor Hellebuyck remains under a five‑year contract as the Winnipeg Jets map out their 2026‑27 opening night roster, but a looming trade list and a $12.25 million cap hit make his future uncertain, the New York Times reported on July 9, 2026.
Why is Hellebuyck’s status a headline?
The 33‑year‑old gold‑medalist guard still occupies a full no‑movement clause, meaning any move requires league approval and a ten‑team offer sheet. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has yet to receive an offer that meets his asking price, leaving Winnipeg with the NHL’s highest‑paid goaltending tandem on paper. The lack of a return forces the club to imagine two roster scenarios – one that keeps Hellebuyck in net and one that does not.
How does the Jets’ forward line shift with Hellebuyck?
If the veteran stays, the Jets lock in a core of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, Cole Perfetti, Adam Lowry, Nino Niederreiter, Alex Iafallo, Vladislav Namestnikov, Morgan Barron, Brad Lambert, Cole Koepke and Isak Rosén. The real battle moves to the second line, where Perfetti is a near‑certain slot, but the remaining two spots pit Viggo Björck, Noah Gregor, Walker Duehr, Danny Zhilkin, Parker Ford, Nikita Chibrikov, Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow, Fabian Wagner, Jacob Julien, Kevin He, Kieron Walton and Lucas Wahlin against each other.
What happens if the Jets trade Hellebuyck?
A departure would free $12.25 million, allowing Cheveldayoff to chase a true second‑line centre via trade or promotion. The roster list would shrink, and the Jets could re‑allocate resources to speedier forwards like Lambert and Barron, both noted for their quickness. The club could also elevate a drafted prospect such as Björck, who would become the first player since Ville Heinola (2019) to make the roster straight out of the draft if he proves NHL‑ready.
What are the next steps for Winnipeg?
The Jets have not finalized a trade, and rival clubs appear hesitant to meet Cheveldayoff’s price tag. As training camp approaches in September, Winnipeg must decide whether to gamble on youth or retain Hellebuyck’s veteran presence. The outcome will shape the Jets’ cap structure and line‑combinations for the upcoming season, with fans watching closely for any sign of a blockbuster deal.
How does this affect the broader NHL landscape?
Hellebuyck’s contract situation highlights the growing influence of no‑movement clauses in modern NHL negotiations. Teams with high‑priced veterans risk being stuck with inflexible cap hits unless a suitable trade materializes. Winnipeg’s dilemma may prompt other clubs to reassess long‑term deals for goaltenders, potentially shifting market dynamics ahead of the 2026‑27 free‑agency period.