Connor Hellebuyck nearly joined the Buffalo Sabres, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealing the team came closest to landing the star goaltender.

What happened?

The Winnipeg Jets were seeking a massive return for Hellebuyck, including the Sabres' No. 4 overall pick and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Friedman noted that Hellebuyck was willing to waive his no-movement clause to go to Buffalo, a significant indication of the Sabres' improved reputation.

Why it matters for Connor Hellebuyck

The Sabres' emergence as a potential landing spot says a lot about how far the organization has come, with a young core inspiring optimism.

Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has developed into one of the league's premier blue-liners, while Tage Thompson remains one of hockey's most dangerous goal scorers.

What comes next?

While many assumed Buffalo's chances disappeared once the fourth overall pick was used at the draft, Friedman isn't convinced the door has completely closed.

The Jets could still try to convince Hellebuyck to stay by keeping the current core together for one more season, though Friedman isn't sure that approach is realistic.

The fact that Buffalo was reportedly on Hellebuyck's list of preferred destinations is a strong sign of just how much the Sabres' reputation has changed.

Hellebuyck remains a Jet for now, but the possibility of a trade to the Sabres remains one of the biggest questions heading into free agency.

The Sabres finally ended the NHL's longest playoff drought during the 2025-26 season, returning to the postseason for the first time since 2011 under head coach Lindy Ruff.

They followed that up with a run to the second round, pushing the Montreal Canadiens to seven games.

Friedman believes Hellebuyck's willingness to waive his no-movement clause for Buffalo should be viewed as a major compliment to where the franchise is headed.

The organization also kept the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and selected highly regarded defenseman Daxon Rudolph after his standout 78-point season with the Prince Albert Raiders.

Hellebuyck's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Sabres are a team on the rise, and they're attracting top talent like Hellebuyck.

The Jets and Sabres may revisit trade talks later this offseason, and Hellebuyck's willingness to join the Sabres could be a key factor in any potential deal.